Early detection and intervention are critical in managing hearing loss in children, as they play a vital role in their speech, language and social development. It’s essential to be vigilant about the early signs to provide the necessary care.
Types of Hearing Loss
Pediatric hearing loss is typically screened from birth as a routine part of child healthcare, with ongoing tests until the child turns ten years old.
There are two types of hearing loss:
- Conductive hearing loss: This form occurs when an issue in the outer or middle ear blocks sound from getting to the inner ear. It’s often caused by fluid in the middle ear due to colds, ear infections known as otitis media, malfunctioning Eustachian tubes or a ruptured eardrum.
- Sensorineural hearing loss: This results from damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain and can be due to genetic conditions, noise exposure, infections or birth complications.
Severity of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can range from mild, where the child may not catch 25% to 40% of speech sounds, making certain words hard to understand, to profound, where very loud noises might only be felt. Mild hearing loss in toddlers and young children can significantly impact their speech development. Treatment may include hearing aids, and speech therapy can be beneficial for language skill development.
Signs of Hearing Loss in Children
Specific behaviors at certain developmental stages may indicate hearing loss in a child:
Babies (0-12 months)
- Lack of reaction to loud sounds
- Not turning towards sound sources by six months
- Not saying words like “mama” or “dada” by the first birthday
Toddlers (1-3 years)
- Delay in speech and language development
- Often repeating “what?” or “huh?”
- Excessively high television volume
- Frustration in noisy environments like Castle Play Area
Young Children (3-5 years)
- Inattentiveness to being called
- Unclear speech
- Misunderstanding questions and responding inappropriately
- Appearing to be daydreaming or not attentive
Noticing these signs warrants an appointment with a pediatrician. Early intervention is beneficial, and treatments vary according to the type and severity of the hearing loss, from hearing aids to surgery.
By addressing hearing loss early, children are afforded the best chance to develop their speech and language capabilities and to excel in social and educational spheres. To learn more or schedule a hearing test for your child, contact Advanced Hearing.