In this episode of Brainstorms, host Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, welcomes Valerie James Abbott, parent-advocate and national leader in hearing health awareness, for an important discussion about late-onset hearing loss. Because many children with late-onset hearing loss pass their newborn hearing screening, hearing changes that develop later can be easily missed. Valerie shares both her personal experience as the parent of a child with late-onset hearing loss and her work advocating for improved hearing screening, family support, and better outcomes for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
Together, Renee and Valerie explore the causes, risk factors, and warning signs of late-onset hearing loss, along with the impact hearing changes can have on speech and language development, academic performance, social participation, and overall well-being. They also discuss the importance of ongoing hearing monitoring, family education, self-advocacy, and collaboration among healthcare providers, educators, and families to support timely identification and intervention.
The discussion extends beyond childhood to examine hearing loss as a lifelong experience. Valerie shares insights into how hearing health can influence educational opportunities, employment, relationships, independence, and quality of life across the lifespan. This thoughtful conversation highlights why awareness, early action, and family-centered support are essential in helping children with hearing loss grow into confident, successful adults.
Together, Renee and Valerie explore the causes, risk factors, and warning signs of late-onset hearing loss, along with the impact hearing changes can have on speech and language development, academic performance, social participation, and overall well-being. They also discuss the importance of ongoing hearing monitoring, family education, self-advocacy, and collaboration among healthcare providers, educators, and families to support timely identification and intervention.
The discussion extends beyond childhood to examine hearing loss as a lifelong experience. Valerie shares insights into how hearing health can influence educational opportunities, employment, relationships, independence, and quality of life across the lifespan. This thoughtful conversation highlights why awareness, early action, and family-centered support are essential in helping children with hearing loss grow into confident, successful adults.
