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Speech Delay Vs Hearing
Explore explanations, everyday questions and next steps connected with speech delay vs hearing.
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How do I know if my child has Speech and Language Delay or Hearing Impairment?
A child who cannot hear well will also be slow to talk, so the two are hard to tell apart at home — which is why a hearing test is always the first step for any speech or language delay. Clues like responding to name and sounds, watching lips, or understanding more than they say can point one way, but testing gives a clear answer. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Read the answer AnswerSpeech & Language Delay vs Hearing Impairment in Children
Speech and language delay means a child is slow to understand or produce words despite typical hearing, while hearing impairment means sound isn't reaching the brain clearly — which can itself cause a speech delay. Hearing input versus language processing is the key difference, so a hearing check is always an early step when speech is delayed. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
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