speech and hearing disorders

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month

NIDCD research builds connections for better hearing and speech

Click on the image or on this link-sharing page to use our social media sharing tools or embed the image in your website or blog. A Spanish-language version of this image is also available.

Each May, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) joins the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in observing Better Hearing and Speech Month to raise awareness about hearing and speech disorders . This year’s theme, “Building Connections,” couldn’t be more relevant, as pandemic-related restrictions have been limiting our social interactions over the past year, highlighting ways in which maintaining communication—and connections—are central to our well-being. In addition, scientific breakthroughs in hearing and speech—many of which were funded by the NIDCD—connect research in the lab to interventions that help people connect with each other through communication.    

Hearing, voice, speech, and language disorders exact a far-reaching toll on public health and individual well-being. At least 46 million people in the U.S. have a hearing or other communication disorder that affects how they engage with their environments. These disorders can occur at any age and in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

Hearing loss can be present at birth, happen instantly, or, most commonly, develop over time from excessive noise exposure, aging, or a combination of these factors. Approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) report some trouble hearing. This rate increases to 50% among those who are 75 and older.

Individuals with untreated hearing loss may become isolated from their families and communities. In older adults, untreated hearing loss is also associated with higher total health care costs, increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline, falls, depression, and lower quality of life. Hearing aids and other assistive devices can help people with hearing problems reconnect to others, but only about one in four adults (ages 20 and over) who could benefit from hearing aids has ever used them.

Speech disorders and related conditions also affect adults and children—with or without hearing problems. By the first grade, roughly 5% of children have noticeable speech disorders, usually marked by difficulty pronouncing specific sounds. Stuttering , a disorder affecting speech fluency, affects approximately 5 to 10% of children in the U.S. Stuttering may last a few weeks or several years, or it may persist into adulthood.

Research funded by the NIDCD has advanced our understanding of hearing, voice, speech, and language disorders, leading to improvements in diagnostic, treatment, and prevention strategies. To help people with hearing loss connect with others and with their environment, for example, the NIDCD has supported basic, clinical, and translational research on assistive device technology to improve hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other devices, as well as studies to improve access to affordable hearing health care .

Researchers are making similarly remarkable advances in assistive devices for people with speech disorders. One exciting example could help individuals who have lost their ability to express words from stroke or neurodegenerative diseases regain an ability to communicate. Early research is exploring how novel assistive devices could record and translate certain signals in the brain to enable the user to speak directly through a computer.  

This May, we encourage you to share our Better Hearing and Speech Month image (also available in a Spanish-language version ) and our science-based health information resources on hearing, voice, speech, and language disorders. These NIDCD pages provide more information:

• Adult Hearing Health Care
• Hearing, Ear Infections, and Deafness
• Voice, Speech, and Language

• Patient Care & Health Information
• Diseases & Conditions

Auditory processing disorder (APD)

Auditory processing disorder, also called APD, is a type of hearing loss caused by something affecting the part of the brain that processes how you hear. Ear damage causes other types of hearing loss.

APD is also sometimes called central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). It can happen in anyone. But it most often happens in children and older adults.

Many conditions can affect how well a person understands what they hear, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism. But these conditions are different from auditory processing disorder, although they can appear with APD . APD also can happen with other types of hearing loss.

Auditory processing disorder has no cure. But treatments can help you hear better.

Symptoms of auditory processing disorder (APD) can be subtle. Symptoms can include having trouble with:

• Telling where sound is coming from.
• Understanding words that are spoken quickly or in a noisy room.
• Paying attention.
• Reading and spelling.
• Following directions unless they are short and simple.
• Learning a new language.
• Singing or enjoying music.
• Understanding and remembering spoken information.

If you have APD , you also might:

• Take longer to reply to someone who is talking to you.
• Often need others to repeat themselves.
• Not understand sarcasm or jokes.

APD is often seen with attention, language and learning issues like those seen in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

When to see a doctor

If you have trouble hearing or understanding what you hear, talk to a health care professional.

The cause of auditory processing disorder (APD) is sometimes unknown. APD can be linked to many conditions. In older adults, conditions might include stroke and head trauma. In children, APD can be linked to issues at birth, such as low birth weight or early birth, or repeated ear infections.

In typical hearing, the brain's auditory center takes the sound waves sent from the ears and turns them into sounds you know. But with auditory processing disorder (APD), the auditory part of the brain can't do this.

Risk factors

Factors that increase your risk of auditory processing disorder (APD) include:

• Head trauma.
• Lead poisoning.
• Seizure disorders.
• Issues linked to birth, such as an early birth, low birth weight or a pregnant person using alcohol, drugs or tobacco.
• Repeated ear infections, especially at a young age.

Complications

Auditory processing disorder (APD) complications include:

• Trouble understanding what people are saying.
• Trouble taking part in activities.
• Feeling isolated and lonely.
• Trouble reading and writing, in children.
• Trouble doing well in school.
• Feeling depressed.
• Auditory processing disorders. American Academy of Audiology. https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/hearing-and-balance/auditory-processing-disorders/. Accessed June 22, 2023.
• Understanding auditory processing disorders in children. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/understanding-auditory-processing-disorders-in-children/. Accessed June 22, 2023.
• Cifu DX, et al., eds. Auditory, vestibular and visual impairments. In: Braddom's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 22, 2023.
• Liu P, et al. Electrophysiological screening for children with suspected auditory processing disorder: A systematic review. Frontiers in Neurology. 2021; doi:10.3389/fneur.2021.692840.
• Sardone R, et al. The age-related central auditory processing disorder: Silent impairment of the cognitive ear. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2019; doi:10.3389/fnins.2019.00619.
• Central Auditory Processing Disorder. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/central-auditory-processing-disorder/. Accessed June 22, 2023.
• Health Education & Content Services. Auditory processing disorder. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
• Symptoms & causes
• Diagnosis & treatment
• Doctors & departments

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

• Opportunities

Mayo Clinic Press

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press .

• Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence
• The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book
• Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance
• FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment
• Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book
• Auditory processing disorder

Your gift holds great power – donate today!

Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine.

Speech, Language, and Hearing Science

Welcome to the department of speech, language, and hearing sciences, communication disorders encompass a wide variety of problems in speech, language, and hearing..

Speech and language impairments include voice disorder, articulation problems, fluency problems, aphasia, phonological problems, and delays in speech or language. Hearing impairments include partial hearing and deafness. We teach students to understand and treat these challenges throughout the entire lifespan of human development from early childhood through the elder years and encourage them to develop a holistic understanding of the communication process and to investigate new ways to expand the mind’s potential to formulate, absorb, and express ideas. 

Degree Programs Offered

Working labs and institutes, b.s. speech, language, and hearing sciences, m.s. speech, language, and hearing sciences, doctor of audiology (au.d.), ph.d. speech, language, and hearing sciences.

Undergraduate Program

Undergraduate students receive broad academic preparation in the normal processes of communication and its development, as well as in the identification and treatment of communication disorders.

Graduate Programs

We house 3 different graduate degrees: M.S. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science - Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) - Ph.D. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Science.

Main Office CMA 4.114 Phone: (512) 471-4119 Email: [email protected]

• Admissions Overview
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Degree Programs
• International Student Admissions
• Academics Overview
• Undergraduate Majors & Minors
• Graduate School
• Purdue Online Learning
• Tour Purdue’s Campus
• Research and Innovation Overview
• Research & Partnerships
• Corporate & Global Partnerships
• Purdue Research Foundation
• About Purdue
• Office of the President
• Commitment to Free Speech
• Student Life at Purdue
• Purdue Activity & Wellness
• Campus Inclusion
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Faculty and Staff
• Purdue Northwest
• Purdue Fort Wayne
• Purdue Global
• Purdue Online

Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Internationally recognized, the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) prepares the next generation of student clinicians and scientists to understand the fundamental mechanisms behind our ability to hear, understand, speak and swallow. Through our state-of-the-art clinical and research programs, we investigate a variety of disorders that affect communication and quality of life. We also offer opportunities to specialize through our speech-language pathology and audiology graduate programs, which have been ranked No. 3 and No. 9 nationally.

Fast facts about SLHS

Undergraduate Programs

Gain foundational knowledge in human communication and the disorders that affect our ability to communicate effectively. From pursuing specialized research interests in the department’s state-of-the-art labs to gaining real-world experience in the M.D. Steer clinics, you will be prepared with the skills needed for the healthcare workforce and graduate studies in speech-language pathology or audiology.

• Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Major

Graduate Programs

The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences’ speech-language pathology and audiology programs are consistently ranked among the top 10 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and are accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. These programs train you as clinician-scientists in schools, hospitals, private practice and more. The department also offers a stellar PhD program to launch your successful career.

• Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) Program
• Doctor of Audiology (AuD) Program
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program

Student Organizations

SLHS student organizations, such as the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) or the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA), offer opportunities for connection, leadership and personal and professional development.

Experiential Learning

SLHS offers 31 clinical programs across speech, language, voice, swallowing, hearing and balance that offer students opportunities to work with clients of all ages, from infants to older adults. Students can also work with faculty in SLHS research labs to understand how discoveries translate to healthcare solutions in the local community.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Work with inspiring community partners, gain clinical practice and explore the world through a SLHS study abroad experience.

Department Research

Faculty in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences are audiologists, speech-language pathologists, engineers, linguists, neuroscientists, physiologists and psychologists who are focused on advancing the fields of speech, language and hearing. Our research broadly falls within one or more of the following areas: hearing science and hearing disorders; language science, language disorders and disabilities; and speech, swallowing and voice science and disorders.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences is committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in our learning, research and clinics. We care deeply about the well-being of SLHS students. Among other initiatives, the department offers networking opportunities with SLHS alumni and students from underrepresented populations.

Community Resources

The department’s wide range of clinics, programs and services are designed to serve the community while allowing students to put their classroom skills to practice alongside professional practitioners. From offering amplification devices to adults experiencing hearing loss to providing gender-affirming voice and communication training, community outreach is an important component of faculty, staff and student work.

“The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences is widely recognized for its excellence in research and clinical education. Since the department’s founding in 1935, SLHS faculty have been on the cutting edge of innovation, pursuing collaborative, interdisciplinary research to improve the lives of people with communication disorders. Our commitment to equity and inclusion permeates all our actions. We strive for a learning environment that celebrates curiosity and supports belonging. We invite you to learn more about our degree programs. — Dr. Preeti Sivasankar

Preeti Sivasankar

Department Head

Message from the Head The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) is widely recognized for its excellence in research and clinical education. Since the department’s founding in 1935, SLHS faculty have been on the cutting edge of innovation, pursuing collaborative, interdisciplinary research to improve the lives of people with communication disorders. We offer four highly renowned degree programs. Our undergraduate degree offers a strong foundation for careers in audiology, speech-language pathology, allied health and scientific communication. Our professional graduate degrees in audiology and speech-language pathology consistently rank in the top 10 nationally. Under the supervision of expert faculty, students in these programs work directly with individuals needing services to support speech, language, swallowing, hearing and balance functions. Upon graduation, our students are well-prepared for fulfilling careers — nationally and internationally — in private practice as well as educational and healthcare settings. We have a long-standing tradition of excellence in PhD education. Our PhD alumni are leaders in both academia and industry. Our commitment to equity and inclusion permeates all our actions. We strive for a learning environment that celebrates curiosity and supports belonging. Our students and alumni are essential to our success. We invite you to learn more about our stellar clinical and research contributions, our service to the professions and our efforts to prepare the next generation of clinicians and scientists.

Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Directory

Featured News

May 2024 Purdue grad reflects on her giant leaps toward making a difference

2024 Barbara H. and Ben R. Edmondson HHS Faculty Development Award

Purdue Audiology researcher works to better understand harmonies in our heads, ears

SLHS Alumni Newsletter

(765) 494-3788

• [email protected] Email
• View Profile Personal Website

(765) 496-6418

• [email protected] Email

Teasha McKinley

Lead Administrative Assistant

(765) 494-4229

• View Website Personal Website

M.D. Steer Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Clinics

(765) 494-3786

• [email protected] Email

Vicki Black

Graduate Program Secretary

Connect with Us!

Prospective undergraduate students may register for a session online, email questions to [email protected] or call the Office of Student Services at (765) 494-8533. Prospective graduate students may email [email protected] or call 765-494-3786.

Purdue University Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences 715 Clinic Drive, Lyles-Porter Hall West Lafayette, IN 47907-2122

[email protected]

Find Info For

• Current Students
• Prospective Students
• Research and Partnerships
• Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

Quick Links

• Current issue
• Faculty and Staff
• Purdue Pursuits
• Photo Galleries
• Submit News

May 21, 2024

Building a strong foundation through better hearing

Each May, Speech-Language-Hearing Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association members providing life-altering treatment. The theme for 2024 is “Building A Strong Foundation.”

Hearing is the foundation for effective communication, strong relationships and healthy brain function. For many people, communication is difficult because of hearing loss or speech conditions. In fact, more than 48 million people in the U.S. experience some degree of hearing loss, and 1 in 10 Americans have some type of communication disorder. 

Hearing affects communication

Hearing loss makes it difficult not only to process the sounds around you, but to clearly understand speech. When your brain is working hard to fill in the gaps of a conversation due to hearing loss, you may feel exceptionally tired after interacting with people. This can lead to withdrawal, social isolation and depression.

How to take care of your hearing

Preserving your hearing is a crucial part of taking care of your overall health. Follow these tips to be proactive about your hearing health:

• Avoid loud noise exposure.
• Wear hearing protection when sounds exceed 85 decibels.
• Avoid sticking objects in your ears.
• Schedule regular hearing exams.

Early identification and intervention for hearing loss is important. Many people live with unidentified hearing loss, often failing to realize they are missing certain sounds and words.

Educate yourself  

There is a lot to learn about hearing loss and communication disorders. To normalize and decrease the stigma surrounding hearing loss, it’s important to spread awareness. Check out www.asha.org to learn more.

Be proactive during Speech-Language-Hearing Month by taking care of your hearing. Call M.D. Steer Speech, Language and Hearing Clinics today at 765-494-3789 to schedule a hearing exam. 

Faculty-Staff News

Communication.

• OneCampus Portal
• Brightspace
• BoilerConnect
• Human Resources
• Colleges and Schools

Info for Staff

• Purdue Moves
• Board of Trustees
• University Senate
• Center for Healthy Living
• Information Technology
• Ethics & Compliance
• Campus Disruptions

Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, (765) 494-4600

© 2015-24 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by Office of Strategic Communications

Trouble with this page? Disability-related accessibility issue? Please contact News Service at [email protected] .

Degree programs in speech and hearing science

Human communication is essential.

Communication challenges can directly contribute to quality-of-life concerns, including isolation and mental health issues. Fortunately, many people who have trouble with speech and hearing can be helped. Speech and hearing science is the study of the human communication process. That includes anatomy and physiology of the hearing and speech systems, and the normal development of speech and language production and perception. 

Speech and hearing professionals prevent, diagnose and treat communication disorders in children and adults, including people on the autism spectrum; bilingual language learners; those experiencing hearing impairment, delayed or disordered speech, or stuttering; and patients recovering from strokes or who have degenerative or neurological disease.

Through coursework and research with expert faculty, graduates of our speech and hearing science programs gain the knowledge and skills needed to work in hospitals, schools and private business as audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and assistants in audiology, speech-language pathology and research. 

Our accredited and highly ranked graduate programs offer a pathway to becoming an audiologist or speech-language pathologist. In fact, the majority of our graduates are accepted into Doctor of Audiology and Master of Science in communication disorders programs. Plus, students can pursue a speech and hearing science undergraduate degree and earn a certificate to become a speech-language pathology assistant all in one place. 

Pursue your passion

• Audiologist
• Speech-language pathologist
• Speech-language pathology assistant
• Social and human service assistant
• Community health worker
• Hearing aid specialist
• Social science research assistant
• Hearing aid or cochlear implant company representatives

Note: Some health careers will require additional advanced degrees.

  We’re here to help!

Our Student Success team provides admission guidance and support to prospective students. Please call or email us: 

    602-496-3300

    [email protected]

Undergraduate Programs

Graduate programs, minors and certificates.

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• About the Parent Guides
• A Parent's Guide to Hearing Loss
• A Parent's Guide to Genetics and Hearing Loss

Understanding Hearing Loss

• There are many terms that can be used to describe a child's unique type of hearing loss.
• Many different things can happen in the ear to cause a hearing loss.

Understanding hearing loss

Our ear and hearing are made up of many parts:

• The outer ear
• The middle ear
• The inner ear
• The ear (auditory) nerve—the hearing (auditory) system pathway in the brain

These terms describe hearing loss where part of the hearing system is not working in a usual way:

• A conductive loss —hearing loss caused by something that stops sounds from getting through the outer or middle ear.
• A sensorineural loss —hearing loss that occurs when there is a problem in the way the inner ear or hearing nerve works.
• A mixed hearing loss —hearing loss that includes a conductive and a sensorineural hearing loss.
• Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder —hearing loss that occurs when sound enters the ear normally, but because of damage to the inner ear or the hearing nerve, sound isn't organized in a way that the brain can understand. For more information, visit the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders .

These terms describe the degree or the amount of hearing loss a child has:

• Mild Hearing Loss —a person with a mild hearing loss may hear some speech sounds but soft sounds are hard to hear.
• Moderate Hearing Loss —a person with a moderate hearing loss may hear almost no speech when another person is talking at a normal level.
• Severe Hearing Loss —a person with severe hearing loss will hear no speech of a person talking at a normal level and only some loud sounds.
• Profound Hearing Loss —a person with a profound hearing loss will not hear any speech and only very loud sounds.

These terms describe when the hearing loss happened:

• Pre-lingual —the hearing loss occurred before the child learned to talk.
• Post-lingual —the hearing loss occurred after the child learned to talk.

These terms describe the side or sides on which the hearing loss occurs:

• Unilateral —there is a hearing loss in one ear.
• Bilateral —there is a hearing loss in both ears.

Parents and professionals will use these terms to describe a child's unique type of hearing loss when talking to others.

If professionals and other parents use terms that you don't understand, please ask questions.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

Parent Guides to Hearing Loss

If you are like most parents, after learning of your child’s hearing loss you will have mixed feelings and many questions.

• Student Support
• StudentInfo

Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences

Speech and Hearing Sciences

Welcome to the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at UNM. Whether you are interested in our academic programs, the clinical services at our Speech-Language-Hearing Center, our continuing education opportunities, or our research endeavors, we encourage you to explore this site so you can get the information you need.

For over 50 years, we have pursued excellence in academics and clinical services.

We support the missions of the University and the College of Arts and Sciences by:

Departmental Mission

creating and disseminating scientific, assessment, and intervention knowledge about communication sciences and disorders within our own academic discipline, and in collaboration with related disciplines

providing quality educational experiences in both academic and clinical contexts to prepare students to become effective professionals in speech-language pathology and related professions

providing excellence in clinical service (a) through the University of New Mexico Speech-Language Clinic and affiliated professionals and agencies in the community and (b) by serving as a model for clinical services

serving the unique needs of the state of New Mexico by increasing the participation of culturally diverse populations in our disciplines, preparing our students to be leaders in a multicultural and multilingual society, providing our students with unique opportunities to excel in multicultural and multilingual settings, and collaborating with other disciplines to ensure our graduates are prepared to provide comprehensive and effective services

• creating a culture of research achievement to support the evidence base of our clinical disciplines

We are committed to supporting our students during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Click here for information about students resources to help during this challenging time.  

Click here to view the shs statement on racism and social justice..

Read our  Strategic Plan Executive Summary to see our vision for the future. 

Learn more about our department!

Get the latest shs newsletter, free slp screenings may 6, 2024.

The Masters of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology {residential} at University of New Mexico is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

I want to...

• Major in SHS
• Find a class
• Apply to graduate school
• Seek clinical services
• Explore faculty research

Speech & Hearing Sciences

Physical Location: University of New Mexico

Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences 1700 Lomas Blvd. NE Suite 1300 Albuquerque, NM 87106

UNM Speech and Hearing Sciences

© The University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131, (505) 277-0111 New Mexico's Flagship University

• UNM on Facebook
• UNM on Instagram
• UNM on Twitter
• UNM on YouTube

more at social.unm.edu

• Accessibility
• Contact UNM
• Consumer Information
• New Mexico Higher Education Dashboard

Long use of mobile phones leading to hearing disorders: PGIMER

Doctors at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) have seen a concerning correlation between prolonged screen time among children and the development of delayed speech and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As screens become increasingly ubiquitous in day-to-day life, the doctors are also investigating the potential impact on development of children.

In a recent project submitted to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) by PGIMER’s Otolaryngology (ENT) department, it has been submitted that cases of delayed speech among children are rising, as are the number of patients with hearing disorders between the age of 15 and 30, due to excessive use of electronic gadgets like mobile phones, tablets, gaming devices and screen use.

Dr Sanjay Munjal from the Otolaryngology department at PGI, Chandigarh, reported that over the past three to four years, the department has observed a rise in cases of children experiencing delayed speech and limited language skills, as well as an increase in autism cases, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Previously, only one to two cases were typical, but recent trends indicate a concerning escalation, potentially tied to heightened screen time exposure.

Dr Munjal explained that playing games and watching screens on phones and tablets involve one-way communication, whereas speech requires two-way interaction. As a result, children’s speech development is being affected. Reduced social interactions and excessive screen time prevent young children from getting the necessary stimulation in their first two years of life.

Dr Munjal noted that many children were referred to his department after an initial diagnosis by pediatricians and psychiatrists, especially for autism.

He emphasised that parents need to be aware of the signs and symptoms, particularly in children aged one to six. Children are using more gestures to communicate because their basic needs are being met without using language.

Excessive use of gadgets reduced human interaction, and the decline of the joint family system all contribute to these issues.

Dr Munjal stressed that children should not use gadgets for more than an hour a day. His department offers various therapies, including speech stimulation, and they have submitted a project to the ICMR for a comprehensive study on this matter.

Dr Munjal explains that talking on mobile phones for long periods and using headphones too much are major causes of hearing problems. Using these devices for more than two hours could lead to hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) because the electromagnetic radiation from phones affects the tissues. Many patients come to the hospital too late, after a lot of damage has already been done, so they often have to rely on hearing aids. This situation could have been prevented with earlier intervention.

Dr Munjal explained that excessive daily use of headphones was a leading cause of hearing loss because headphones emit sounds much higher than the safe limit of 85 decibels (dB). He advised that if the volume increases, the usage time should decrease: 90 dB should not be used for more than four hours, 95 dB for two hours, and 100 dB for one hour.

As children today are exposed to gadgets from an early age, they experience hearing damage sooner. The first symptom is often a ringing sound in the ears, known as tinnitus.

Dr Munjal recommended avoiding long phone calls, using speakerphone, not listening to music at high volumes for long periods, and minimising exposure. If any symptoms occur, consult a doctor immediately, he added.

Read more news like this on HindustanTimes.com

Subscribe Now! Get features like

• Latest News

• Entertainment
• Real Estate
• RR vs RCB Live Score
• Lok Sabha Election 2024
• My First Vote
• Heatwave News Live
• RR vs RCB Live
• IPL Match Today
• IPL Points Table
• IPL Purple Cap
• IPL Orange Cap
• The Interview
• Web Stories
• Virat Kohli
• Mumbai News
• Bengaluru News
• Daily Digest
• Election Schedule 2024

Long use of mobile phones leading to hearing disorders: PGIMER

Otolaryngologist dr sanjay munjal stressed that children should not use gadgets for more than an hour a day. his department offers various therapies, including speech stimulation, and they have submitted a project to the icmr for a comprehensive study on this matter..

Doctors at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) have seen a concerning correlation between prolonged screen time among children and the development of delayed speech and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As screens become increasingly ubiquitous in day-to-day life, the doctors are also investigating the potential impact on development of children.

In a recent project submitted to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) by PGIMER’s Otolaryngology (ENT) department, it has been submitted that cases of delayed speech among children are rising, as are the number of patients with hearing disorders between the age of 15 and 30, due to excessive use of electronic gadgets like mobile phones, tablets, gaming devices and screen use.

Dr Sanjay Munjal from the Otolaryngology department at PGI, Chandigarh, reported that over the past three to four years, the department has observed a rise in cases of children experiencing delayed speech and limited language skills, as well as an increase in autism cases, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Previously, only one to two cases were typical, but recent trends indicate a concerning escalation, potentially tied to heightened screen time exposure.

Dr Munjal explained that playing games and watching screens on phones and tablets involve one-way communication, whereas speech requires two-way interaction. As a result, children’s speech development is being affected. Reduced social interactions and excessive screen time prevent young children from getting the necessary stimulation in their first two years of life.

Dr Munjal noted that many children were referred to his department after an initial diagnosis by pediatricians and psychiatrists, especially for autism.

He emphasised that parents need to be aware of the signs and symptoms, particularly in children aged one to six. Children are using more gestures to communicate because their basic needs are being met without using language.

Excessive use of gadgets reduced human interaction, and the decline of the joint family system all contribute to these issues.

Dr Munjal stressed that children should not use gadgets for more than an hour a day. His department offers various therapies, including speech stimulation, and they have submitted a project to the ICMR for a comprehensive study on this matter.

Dr Munjal explains that talking on mobile phones for long periods and using headphones too much are major causes of hearing problems. Using these devices for more than two hours could lead to hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) because the electromagnetic radiation from phones affects the tissues. Many patients come to the hospital too late, after a lot of damage has already been done, so they often have to rely on hearing aids. This situation could have been prevented with earlier intervention.

Dr Munjal explained that excessive daily use of headphones was a leading cause of hearing loss because headphones emit sounds much higher than the safe limit of 85 decibels (dB). He advised that if the volume increases, the usage time should decrease: 90 dB should not be used for more than four hours, 95 dB for two hours, and 100 dB for one hour.

As children today are exposed to gadgets from an early age, they experience hearing damage sooner. The first symptom is often a ringing sound in the ears, known as tinnitus.

Dr Munjal recommended avoiding long phone calls, using speakerphone, not listening to music at high volumes for long periods, and minimising exposure. If any symptoms occur, consult a doctor immediately, he added.

Robert Abraham is a staff correspondent with the Hindustan Times in Chandigarh. He keeps readers updated on the latest developments in the world of health. ...view detail

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Postgraduate Institute Of Medical Education And Research

Join Hindustan Times

Create free account and unlock exciting features like.

• Terms of use
• Privacy policy
• Weather Today
• HT Newsletters
• Subscription
• Print Ad Rates
• Code of Ethics

• Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live
• IPL Live Score
• T20 World Cup Schedule
• IPL 2024 Auctions
• T20 World Cup 2024
• Cricket Teams
• Cricket Players
• ICC Rankings
• Cricket Schedule
• T20 World Cup Points Table
• Other Cities
• Income Tax Calculator
• Budget 2024
• Petrol Prices
• Diesel Prices
• Silver Rate
• Relationships
• Art and Culture
• Taylor Swift: A Primer
• Telugu Cinema
• Tamil Cinema
• Board Exams
• Exam Results
• Competitive Exams
• BBA Colleges
• Engineering Colleges
• Medical Colleges
• BCA Colleges
• Medical Exams
• Engineering Exams
• Horoscope 2024
• Festive Calendar 2024
• Compatibility Calculator
• The Economist Articles
• Lok Sabha States
• Lok Sabha Parties
• Lok Sabha Candidates
• Explainer Video
• On The Record
• Vikram Chandra Daily Wrap
• EPL 2023-24
• ISL 2023-24
• Asian Games 2023
• Public Health
• Economic Policy
• International Affairs
• Climate Change
• Gender Equality
• future tech
• Daily Sudoku
• Daily Crossword
• Daily Word Jumble
• HT Friday Finance
• Explore Hindustan Times
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Subscription - Terms of Use