Understanding Hearing Issues with Your Child

The majority of hearing loss advertisements focus on senior citizens and the result of aging upon the way we hear. But hearing loss can affect anyone, at any age. In fact, even noise-induced loss can be a problem for children, just as much as with adults. In fact, over 10 per cent of children in the U.S. between the ages of 6 and 18 will experience some form of hearing loss caused by excessive noise. Other causes of hearing loss can include ear infections attacking the middle ear or exposure to rubella, in addition to other genetic causes. As hearing is the foundation that allows your children to learn with ease, it’s important to keep abreast of any issues that may inhibit your children’s ability to hear. Some problems can be treated with antibiotics, but early intervention is necessary for these treatments to be most effective. We all want the best for our children, and just as you make note of other developmental concerns, hearing loss should also be on the forefront of your mind to prevent more serious conditions from occurring throughout their life.

Causes

Hearing loss can occur in children in two categories, one where the hearing issue is present at birth and the other where the issue is acquired. These losses can appear in both the way sound is interrupted and also in how it’s produced in the ear. In some circumstances, these factors overlap. Certain infections during pregnancy can be passed onto the child and effect the hearing of your child, such as German measles and toxoplasmosis. In the same regard, medications taken during pregnancy can affect your child, as well. For example, ototoxic mediations used as antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, certain pain relievers and the like are known to affect both the person taking the drug and the fetus, if pregnant. There are also birth defects such as a premature birth, toxoplasmosis and nervous disorders that effect the development of the ear.

When the loss occurs after pregnancy, there are other significant causes. Meningitis is one of the top contributors to hearing loss, as is a perforation of the eardrum. There are times when the hearing loss is temporary, as long as it’s treated by a professional at the first signs of a problem. There are some conditions that dull only a fraction of the ear’s ability to hear. Your doctor will be able to help you determine a course of action.

Infant Symptoms

Your child before nine months of age should be able to turn its head at loud noises and familiar sounds. Additionally, they should be able to babble at familiar faces and sights. Your baby should also be able to recognize hand gestures at this age, as well. Verbal cues are the easiest ways for your child to learn and comprehend. When they are unable to perform these tasks, it’s a sign of a more serious problem. Before they reach the age of two they should be able to point to familiar faces and objects when asked and say a few different words. More advanced toddlers will be able to put two or more simple words together. Those children unable to do so may have a hearing or learning disability.

Symptoms in Older Children

Children who complain about not being able to hear the radio or television and constantly turn up the volume are exhibiting signs of a hearing problem. Others who don’t respond to their name when their back is turned away from you may also have a problem with hearing. Pains in the ears or head area on a regular basis can be a symptom, as well; difficulty hearing conversations or lacking the ability to articulate speech are also subtler cues. Keep in mind these aren’t guarantees of a hearing problem, but rather that some sort of issue is occurring and should be brought to the attention of your pediatrician.

Testing

A hearing specialist will be able to perform a series of tests to determine your child’s ability to hear. These tests are designed to ensure that sound is properly being conducted, while evaluating whether there has been some sort of damage to any of the nerves or channels in the ear. Additionally, tests on children include a map of the brain to be certain that what is being heard is being properly processed by your child. At times the hearing loss is temporary or physical, but other times it’s an issue with the brain with more serious implications. By finding the right specialist early on, you can prevent your child from experiencing further learning delays.

About the Author: Beth A. Stevens is a contributing author and hearing specialist in Shrewsbury. For over 10 years she’s worked closely with both the young and the elderly to find the right type of care for their hearing issues. She recommends njhearingaids.com/ for those seeking affordable and experienced care.

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