Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

Which behavior may indicate hearing impairment in a 2-year-old child with chronic otitis media?

1. Stuttering

2. Using gestures to express desires

3. Babbling continuously

4. Playing alongside rather than interacting with peers

The correct answer is: Babbling continuously

The behavior that may indicate hearing impairment in a 2-year-old child with chronic otitis media is using gestures to express desires. In young children, communication development is closely linked to hearing ability. Typically, as children grow, they begin to replace gestures with vocalizations or spoken words. If a child continues to rely heavily on gesturing rather than attempting to verbalize, it may suggest that they are not hearing or learning language as expected, potentially due to hearing impairment. In the context of chronic otitis media, which can lead to fluctuating hearing loss, this reliance on gestures instead of verbal communication can be a significant red flag. Hearing impairment may prevent the child from fully interpreting spoken language, thus hindering their ability to produce it. Other options like stuttering, babbling continuously, or playing alongside peers are generally normal behaviors for a child of this age and do not specifically indicate hearing impairment. Stuttering can occur in many children as they develop language skills. Babbling is a normal phase of language development that can extend into the second year. Playing alongside peers is common in toddlers who may not yet engage in cooperative play, regardless of their hearing status.