subject: Children and Hearing Impairments [print this page] Hearing impairment in a child can be devastating to child and parents alike. Parents should learn the types and treatment options for hearing problems.
Every parent hopes that her child will be happy and healthy. Many mothers and fathers do not know anything about hearing trouble in kids until one of their own children is diagnosed with hearing loss. This article will discuss the types of hearing loss children can have, as well as signs to look for and treatment options.
Types and Causes of Childhood Hearing LossThe first type of hearing loss in children is congenital or present at birth. Causes of congenital hearing loss can be wide and varied. Infections in pregnancy such as German Measles,Toxoplasmosis, and Cytomegolavirus can lead to hearing loss from birth. Use of Ototoxic medication by the pregnant woman can also lead to damaged hearing in the baby. Any number of birth complications can be factors as well.
Other things can lead to congenital hearing loss tool. Disorders of the brain and nervous system can leave a baby with hearing loss. Genetic problems such as Downs Syndrome, Usher's Syndrome, and Waardenburgs Syndrome can also cause hearing loss from birth. Family history can also be a factor in babies born with auditory problems.
The other category of hearing loss is acquired. Children can acquire hearing damage in many ways. Untreated middle-ear infections can cause hearing loss. Other infections such as meningitis, mumps, measles, or whooping cough can also impair a child's hearing. Perforated eardrum is yet another cause of acquired hearing loss. Excessive noise, disease, serious head injury, and use of Ototoxic medication are also causes of acquired hearing loss. Both categories can be either conductive, which can be temporary or sensorineural, which is permanent.
Signs of Hearing Loss in Infants and ChildrenFrom birth to four months of age, if the infant does not stir or startle at loud noises there may be hearing loss. Other indications of hearing problems at this age are not calming at the sound of familiar voices and not smiling or cooing at the sound of a parent or caregiver's voice.
At ages four to nine months, if the baby does not turn her eyes toward sources of familiar sounds, smile when spoken to, notice rattles and other sound making toys, cry differently depending on needs, make babbling sounds, or simple word and hand motion combinations, there may be auditory issues that require medical attention.
In preschool age and older children, warning signs of possible hearing loss include excessive volume while watching TV, responding inappropriately to questions, not replying when called, articulation or speech delays, academic problems, complaints of ear pain, difficulty understanding what people are saying, and speaking differently than other kids their age. These signs do not mean the child definitely has damage to their hearing, however.
Treatment of Childhood LossChildren found to have hearing loss are often referred to ear, nose & throat (ENT) physicians. Depending on the nature of the hearing loss, hearing aids or other devices may be needed. If the damage is severe, speech pathology and rehabilitation may be necessary. The earlier these sorts of problems are detected, the less the child's functionality will suffer.
Children and Hearing Impairments
By: Center for Hearing Aids
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