Hearing loss is a prevalent cause of poor language development and educational achievements in children. Neurotologist Dr Howard Francis of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine says one in every 500 children is born with a “significant” hearing loss. Francis said if this was not properly addressed, then children can be left in a precarious situation in society. He said, in addition, there were children who developed ear infections which were also quite prevalent. Ear infections have a significant impact on children’s behavior. Parents need to recognise whether a child is having frequent ear infections or seems not to be hearing as well as he/she should be most of the time. He said children should be taken to a doctor if hearing loss or ear infections are suspected. He said if a baby’s babbling is not progressing then there is a problem.