Hearing Loss in Children

Hearing loss can occur at any time. But hearing loss from birth, which is seen in toddlers and infants, is of special worry. It could cause problems with development if not detected and treated in the early stages because normal hearing is required for understanding spoken language and, later, producing clear speech.

It is imperative to seek immediate attention from the best Adelaide hearing clinic if your child suffers from hearing loss in infancy and early childhood. Even a minor but noticeable hearing impairment in this stage can make it extremely difficult for your child to master spoken words or patterns of speech.

Cause of hearing impairment in children

Most children experience mild hearing loss when fluid builds into the middle ear due to colds, congestion, or infections in the ear. Hearing loss is typically temporary and normal hearing usually returns after congestion or infection improves. The Eustachian tube (which connects the middle ear with the throat) takes out the remaining fluid back to the throat.

In many children, maybe 1 in 10 fluid remains in the middle ear after an ear infection due to issues in the Eustachian tube. Children with this issue aren't able to hear like children normally do. This is why they can experience delays in speaking.

It is less frequent to have a permanent hearing impairment which always affects normal speech and language development. Permanent hearing impairment can range from slight or partial to total or complete.

Types of hearing loss or impairment

Conductive hearing loss

If a child has conductive hearing loss, it could be due to an abnormality in the ear canal and middle ear structure. An excessive amount of cerumen (wax) could be trapped within the ear canal. Another reason could be the middle ear's fluid interferes with sound transmission.

Sensorineural hearing loss (also called nerve deafness)

This type of hearing loss can be caused by an abnormality of the inner ear or the nerves that carry messages from the ear's inner part to the brain. The problem can manifest at birth or develop at any time after. Even if there is no background of deafness in the family (generally, it is often due to genetic mutations.) Parents and other family members typically are not affected since each parent is one of the carriers of a hearing loss gene.  

Or, if the mother was suffering from rubella (German measles) or cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis or any other infectious disease that impacts the ear's inner ear during the pregnancy, the fetus may be affected and lose hearing as a result. The hearing loss could also result caused by a problem with your inner ear. 

The signs of hearing impairments to look for

Contact your pediatrician if:

• Your child isn't agitated at loud noises for one month or turns to the sound source by three or four months of age.
• They don't even notice you until they look at you.
• Instead of playing around with vowel consonants and sounds, they focus on gargling and other pulsating sounds they can feel.
• Their speech may be delayed or difficult to comprehend, or they aren't able to speak a single word, such as "dada" and "mama", between 12 and 15 months of age.
• They cannot speak more than 5-10 words until they are 18 months old. 
• They can't connect two or three words in a row at two years old.
• Their speech isn't comprehendible fifty per cent of the time, even at two years of age.
• They aren't always responsive when called. (This can be mistaken for resistance or inattention, but it could be the result of partial hearing impairment)
• They can hear certain sounds, but not all. (Some hearing impairments affect only high-pitched sounds; some children have a hearing loss only in one ear. )
• Not only do they hear poorly, but they have difficulty holding their head straight or walking or sitting without support. (In children with sensorineural hearing loss, the part of the inner ear which gives information on balance and the movement of the head is also damaged)

Hearing loss solutions

The treatment for hearing loss is contingent on the source. If you suspect mild conductive hearing due to middle ear fluid, the doctor might suggest that your child's hearing be tested after a few months to check if the fluid has been cleared completely. Antihistamines, decongestants, and antibiotics are ineffective at removing the middle ear fluid.

Ventilating tubes

If there isn't any improvement in hearing after three months and there remains liquid behind the eardrum, the doctor could perform a hearing assessment or suggest a referral to an ENT specialist. If the fluid persists and there is enough (even if it is temporary) conductive hearing loss due to the liquid, an ENT doctor might suggest drainage of the fluid using ventilating tubes. They are surgically placed through the eardrum. This is a relatively simple operation and can take about 15 minutes. However, your child needs general anaesthesia for the procedure to be carried out properly.

Even when the tubes are in place, a new infection may develop. However, the tubes reduce levels of fluid and reduce the risk of repeated infection. If the reason for the hearing loss is the fluid solely, then ventilating tubes will also aid in improving hearing. 

Hearing aids

A hearing aid can help restore hearing to normal or close to normal levels of hearing loss caused by a defect in the middle or outer ear. But a hearing aid online can only function when it's being worn. It is essential to ensure that it's in use and working, particularly for very young children. Reconstructive surgery is a possibility when the child grows older.

Hearing aids in the early stages for infants with hearing impairment are crucial to help them develop an understanding of language and sound. Exposure to early visual or spoken (sign) language can positively impact language development. For children who have mild to moderate hearing impairment, hearing aids online can help increase hearing to the point where the majority of them can learn everyday spoken and speech. It is highly recommended to always go to reputed hearing aid specialists when looking for devices from top-of-the-line hearing aid providers.

Cochlear implants

If your child suffers from profound or severe hearing loss in both ears and receives very little or no gain from hearing aids, they might be a candidate to receive a cochlear implant. If your family is thinking of implanting children whose hearing loss was present from birth, the greatest chances of developing excellent hearing and speech come from having the implants in the early years (ideally at one year old) instead of late (over three years old). 

Children with normal development who have cochlear implants earlier and receive intensive treatment following the procedure can attain excellent hearing and be supported in a mainstream education setting. Furthermore, most children with receive cochlear implants have more awareness of the sounds around them.

Finding a hearing specialist for your child

Do not wait even for a single second if you suspect your child has hearing loss. Often, your pediatrician is an excellent place to start. They may refer you to an ear, nose and throat doctor or hearing specialist. Also, we at Hearing Aid Specialists SA are the best if you're looking for an Adelaide hearing clinic. We will help you to navigate your child's journey to better hearing.