If it seems like your teenager has been ignoring you lately, it might not be on purpose. They may have a hearing problem. Teenagers participate in a lot of daily activities that can lead to hearing loss. Some of those activities include turning the volume up too loud on their headphones or listening to the stereo in their car too loudly. Even pushing a cotton applicator too far into their ears can lead to inner ear injuries that can cause hearing problems. If your teenager is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, they may have hearing problems that will need to be addressed.

Intermittent Hearing Problems

Does your teen seem to have intermittent hearing problems? For instance, do they appear to hear you just fine once and then not hear you at all the next time you speak? Intermittent hearing problems could be a sign that your child is developing a problem with their ears.

Continually Turns the Volume Up on the Television

Does your teen continually turn the volume up on the television even though the volume seems to be fine? This may be a sign that they're ears are becoming desensitized to sound. This is particularly true if your child needs to turn the volume up throughout a show that they're watching.

Turning Their Head to One Side to Hear You

Does your teen turn their head to one side when you talk to them? Do they tilt their head when they're trying to listen to something? This may be a sign that they're having difficulty hearing out of one of their ears.

Has Suddenly Started Speaking Louder Than Usual

Does your teen seem to be speaking louder than they used to? Perhaps they've started yelling to get your attention more often than they used to. Hearing problems can make it difficult for your teen to hear their own voice, which means they'll need to speak louder when they're talking to you.

Seems to be Watching Your Mouth When You Speak

Does your teen seem to be watching your mouth whenever you speak to them? If this is a new occurrence, it may be that your teen is trying to understand what you're saying by reading your lips.

Hearing problems can make it seem like your teen is trying to ignore you. But if your teen is experiencing any of the symptoms described above, you should speak to a doctor as soon as possible. They may need hearing aids to help them hear the world around them. 

For more information and advice, visit a local hearing and ear clinic, such as City Hearing Aid Centre.