Vision and Hearing

Vision

Functioning eyes and a good working brain allows kids to interpret environmental information. Kids use street signs and books to understand how letters and words work. Parts of the vision that does not work properly cannot interpret environmental information and the brain may lose the information over time. For example, when kids are born with cataracts they lose the full function of seeing light and dark. If cataracts are not removed early, their brain may lose the ability to lose part of its function. The eyes are the camera and the brain must be able to use what the eyes sees. Kids need to go to the eye doctor regularly. Warning signs kids that kids should go to the eye doctor are: one eye drifts or aims in a different direction, turns or tilts head to see. Squinting or closing one eye to see, headaches or eye strain, and double vision.

Hearing   

Sound travels like waves. The ears translate the waves. Hearing is the ability to separate sounds and make meaning from the signals. The ability develops with experience with sounds during infancy and childhood. For example, loud repetitive sounds cause poor organization of processing. A child’s development is dependent on their hearing. Problems need to be addressed as early as possible. Good hearing is crucial for the development of a child’s learning. Kids born with hearing problems may have speech problems.  If a child receives a hearing implant early, the child has a good chance of never developing speech problems. Kids with long term hearing problems may develop reading and other delays later in their life.