Hearing loss isn’t confined to older adults: children of all ages can experience a loss of hearing. Roughly three out of 1000 babies are born with hearing loss, and its prevalence increases in adolescents. Noise-induced hearing loss is largely responsible for this increase.
If you suspect your child is having difficulty hearing, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying can have a strong effect on a child’s learning and development.
What Causes Hearing Loss in Children?
There are two main categories of hearing loss in children: congenital and acquired. Congenital hearing loss is present at birth because of genetic issues, prenatal problems, or premature birth.
Acquired hearing loss is triggered by illnesses, physical trauma, exposure to loud noises, and medications. Some types of hearing loss are correctable with medication or surgery. Some types of hearing loss aren’t currently correctable, but we believe every child with a known or suspected hearing problem deserves an evaluation by an ENT doctor and audiologist.
What Are the Symptoms?
How can you tell if your child might have a hearing loss? There are several 10signs that 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 (i.e. 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. Your child’s doctor may take a wait-and-see approach when it comes to otitis media; chronic cases may be treated with medications or ear tubes that are inserted surgically and allow fluid to drain from the ears.
Permanent hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other hearing devices that enable a child to communicate.
The earlier you act, the less chance that your child experiences speech or learning difficulties as the result of a hearing impairment.
Call Midwest ENT Centre at (636) 685-8250 for more information or to schedule an appointment.