Frequently Asked Questions:

1) What should I do if I suspect my child to have a speech/language delay? First, discuss your concerns with your child's pediatrician. Generally, a parent's instinct that the child's development is delayed or disordered is often correct.  If your child truly does have a speech/language delay or disorder, receiving early treatment may prevent significant frustration from developing associated with the inability to communicate.  Also, talk with your child's pediatrician about having your child's hearing screened or evaluated prior to a speech/language evaluation to rule out a hearing loss.

2) Will insurance cover hearing evaluations and/or speech and language evaluations and therapy? Some insurance companies will cover evaluations and therapy; however, each plan is different.  Check your insurance policy and bring that information with you to the hearing or speech appointment. Most policies require a physician's referral. 

3) Do we have a sliding fee scale? Yes, you need to fill out the application and return it to us to be considered for financial assistance.

4) How do I know if I have a hearing loss? For Adults:

• You frequently complain that people mumble, speech is not clear, or you hear only parts of conversations when people are talking.
• You often ask people to repeat what they said.
• Your friends or relatives tell you that you don't seem to hear very well.
• You do not laugh at jokes because you miss too much of the story.
• You need to ask others about the details of a meeting that you just attended.
• Others say that you play the TV or radio too loudly.
• You cannot hear the doorbell or the telephone.
• You find that looking at people when they talk to you makes it somewhat easier to understand, especially when you're in a noisy place or where there are competing conversations.

5) How do I know if I have a hearing loss? For Children:

• Your child is inconsistently responding to sound.
• Language and speech development is delayed.
• Speech is unclear.
• Sound is turned up on electronic equipment (radio, TV, CD player).
• Your child does not follow directions.
• Your child often says, "Huh?"
• Your child does not respond when called.

                                                                           (Adapted from ASHA Web site)

6) How early can my child's hearing be tested? Hearing can be tested at any age.  In Maine, babies are screened for hearing loss at birth.  It's never too early to have your child's hearing tested if you have concerns.  Young infants can be tested while they are sleeping and older infants and toddlers are tested using a combination of play-based activities and more objective test measures.

7) Can ear infections cause hearing loss? Middle ear infections (otitis media) are the most common reason for children to visit the doctor.  Fifty percent of all children have had at least one episode of otitis media by their first birthday.  Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear and is often accompanied by fluid in the middle ear space.  Fluid in the ear makes it difficult for sound waves to reach the inner ear (cochlea).  Depending on the amount and thickness of fluid in the ear, hearing loss can range from minimal to moderate.  Speech may be muffled or distorted and difficult to hear, especially if any background noise is in the room.

8) How does hearing ability affect my child's speech and language development? Children learn to talk by listening to speech.  The first few years are a critical time for speech and language development.  Children must be able to hear speech clearly in order to learn language.  A fluctuating hearing loss due to repeated ear infections means the child doesn't hear consistently and may be missing out on critical speech information.  Permanent hearing loss can also affect speech and language development, especially if it is not detected early.  The earlier a hearing loss is identified and treated, the more likely the child will develop speech and language skills on par with normally hearing children.