Older adults aren’t the only ones who experience hearing loss: children of all ages can experience a loss of hearing. Roughly three out of 1,000 babies are born with hearing loss, and its prevalence is increasing in adolescents. Noise-induced hearing loss is largely responsible for this increase. If you suspect your child has difficulty hearing, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can have a substantial effect on a child’s learning and development.
What Causes Hearing Loss in Children?
There are three leading causes of hearing loss in children. First, congenital factors contribute to children born with hearing problems because of genetic issues, prenatal problems or premature birth. Second, otitis media (ear infection) is a widespread childhood ailment that occurs when fluid accumulates in the middle ear. This condition causes hearing difficulties and, in severe cases, may lead to permanent hearing damage. Finally, many illnesses, physical trauma, exposure to loud noises and medications can lead to acquired hearing loss.
What Are the Symptoms?
How can you tell if your child might have a hearing loss? Several signs should prompt you to have your child’s hearing tested ASAP. These include:
- A delay in speech and language
- Failure to respond to loud noises or your voice
- Poor academic performance
- Frequent ear infections
- Disorders associated with hearing loss (e.g. Down syndrome or autism)
- Family history of hearing loss
Treating Hearing Loss in Children
There are numerous options for treating hearing loss in children, depending upon the type and severity of their condition. For example, your child’s doctor may take a wait-and-see approach to otitis media; medications or ear tubes inserted surgically may treat chronic cases and allow fluid to drain from the ears. Hearing aids, cochlear implants and other hearing devices that enable a child to communicate can help treat permanent hearing loss. Acting sooner lessens the chance of your child experiencing speech or learning difficulties that result from a hearing loss.
Call Eastern Oklahoma Ear Nose and Throat – Yale Office for more information or to schedule an appointment.
(918) 492-3636