While hearing loss is commonly associated with older adults, the reality is that many children struggle with an ability to hear, too. Nearly 15 percent of children between the ages of six and 19 have some degree of hearing loss in at least one ear -- but being fitted with a hearing aid can immensely help the child. The hearing loss can be minor enough that your child doesn't detect it – or perhaps your child just doesn't want to feel different than his or her peers. While it's always important to keep lines of communication open with your child, you can often get signs that his or her hearing isn't as good as it could be by noticing the following three indicators.

Child Not Responding When Called

While the average parent might jokingly question his or her child's hearing ability when the child seems to ignore the parent's call, the reality is that your child might not be hearing you clearly when you yell from one floor in your home to another. If you find the child has developed a habit of not responding and you don't believe it to be a situation about ignoring you, there's a possibility that the child's hearing isn't as strong as it should be. A visit to a hearing clinic for a test can determine the nature of the hearing loss.

Child Listens To Music/TV Louder Than Usual

It's certainly common for children to enjoy their music, video games and other electronic entertainment at high volumes, but if you notice a habit of your child listening to the radio or TV louder than seems appropriate, there might be an issue. The possibility of hearing loss is a further concern if the child turns up these devices even after you've asked him or her to turn the volume down. Note, too, if the child suggests that the higher volume is because the background noise in your home makes it difficult to hear the radio or TV. If the background noise isn't elevated, there could be a hearing problem that can be fixed by a hearing aid.

Child Changes Social Habits

As a child becomes acutely aware of his or her hearing difficulties, you may begin to notice some changes in the child's social habits. A child who spent time hanging out with friends might start spending time alone, for example. While a child's social habits can be influenced by a spectrum of different things, including peer pressure and changing friendships, keep an eye out for this change – especially if you've seen other signs that your child's hearing may be suffering.