Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Baby speech problem may be sign of deafness

Baby speech problem may be sign of deafness

Monday, October 18th, 2010 14:09:00
KOTA BARU: Parents and guardians have been reminded not to take baby speech problem lightly as it may be an early sign of deafness.
Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital (HRPZ II) director Datuk Dr Gahazali Hasni Md Hassan, said most parents might think that it is normal for babies to speak late but not all are lucky.
"Attention must be given to babies with speech problem. One year-old babies can make sounds although unclear.
"It may be too late to help 3 year-old children who can't speak as they can become deaf and dumb from not hearing people speak and communicate," he told Bernama today.
Dr Ghazali said babies who speak late should be taken to hospital for examination to determine whether they have hearing problem.
"Parents should be more sensitive to the problem as 4 or 5 year-old children are deemed critical for treatment and will not benefit from hearing aid."
He said the people could have ear examination and treatment including cochlear transplant at HRPZ II with the RM70,000 cost borne by the government.
HRPZ II had, since 2009, helped eight deaf children to live a normal life and is looking for more children to treat under the programme.

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