Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/439403
Resolve to be more active as a family in 2015. Visit GOChippewaValley.com for ideas on how to get moving! To schedule a hearing screening for your child, call the HSHS Sacred Heart Hearing & Balance Center at 715.717.6885. To find a physician at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital, visit stjoeschipfalls.com/ our_physicians. 1 3 S TJ O E S C H I P FA L L S . C O M LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SIGNS OF PEDIATRIC HEARING LOSS TO KEEP YOUR LITTLE ONE'S DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES ON TRACK. "MAKING SURE CHILDREN can listen to the best of their abilities is extremely important," says Shawna Lee, AuD, Audiologist at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital's Hearing & Balance Center. "Hearing is instrumental to speech and language development and understanding, which greatly impact academic success as kids age." Hearing loss in children typically takes one of two forms: ✳ Temporary conductive hearing loss is most common and is usually caused by wax or fluid buildup following an ear infection. ✳ Sensorineural hearing loss, caused by nerve or inner ear damage, is much less frequent. This permanent form of hearing loss affects approximately 3 in 1,000 children, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? Babies and young toddlers with hearing loss have delayed speech and often don't startle or react to sound. Older children may continually ask you to turn the television up or repeat yourself, have difficulty in school, or act like they are ignoring you. If you notice symptoms indicative of hearing loss, consult your child's doctor for a physical examination and/or hearing screening. Depending on the nature of hearing loss, antibiotics, placement of pressure equalization tubes, and hearing aids may be used to restore hearing. RESOLUTION 1: Set cell phones aside. The allure of texts, calls, social media, Internet browsing, or shopping on mobile devices can significantly cut into the time families spend interacting face to face. To reduce digital distractions, create a place near the door for everyone to park their phones as soon as they come home. By committing to connecting and conversing the old-fashioned way, you show your child and spouse that family is most deserving of your attention. RESOLUTION 2: Eat more meals together. Between extracurricular activities for the kids and the after-hours demands of Mom or Dad's job, it can be difficult to carve out time for a sit-down family dinner, but the benefits are worth the effort. Family dinners provide an opportunity to discuss the events of the day and help parents identify small concerns before they become big problems. According to a 2012 report by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, teens who regularly eat dinner with family are significantly less likely to experience depression, consider suicide, or experiment with drugs and alcohol. Eating together also helps parents control portion sizes and encourage kids to try new foods and enjoy healthy meals. RESOLUTION 3: Schedule family game night once a week. Playing games as a family not only strengthens relationships but can also foster cognitive and problem- solving skills that children can apply toward schoolwork. Family games also help children learn social skills, including verbal communication, sharing, taking turns, the principles of fair play, and how to win and lose gracefully. FOCUS ON FAMILY TIES Helping Hands for Little Ears IN 2015, MAKE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS TO SPEND MORE QUALITY TIME WITH THOSE CLOSEST TO YOU.