Childhood Hearing Loss

Childhood Hearing Loss
Childhood Hearing Loss

Childhood Hearing Loss

Children's hearing loss

 

Childhood hearing loss is one of the most serious disorders that can appear after birth. The reduction of the child's hearing ability affects his communication and cognitive development, causing behavioral disorders. Statistically, 2-4 children out of 1000 are born with a hearing problem, while 1/1000 with severe hearing loss. The condition can occur in one or both ears, it can vary from a small to a very large degree, or it can even lead to deafness. It is important to emphasize that the early diagnosis of the damage to the infant's auditory function is necessary in order to be able to deal effectively with the problem.

 

How do I know if my child is not listening?

 

Depending on the age there are different signs that can indicate hearing problems in children.

 

Newborn to 6 months

 

  • Does not react to sudden loud noises
  • He doesn't wake up to loud noises
  • It does not try to imitate simple sounds
  • It does not turn in the direction of the voice or the noise


Infant 6 months to 2 years

 

  • It does not turn in the direction of the voice or the noise
  • He does not respond to his parents' orders
  • Does not react to ambient sounds
  • It doesn't detect where the sounds are coming from
  • Turn up the volume of the TV or sit close
  • He speaks loudly
  • Does not show development in the understanding and use of words

     

Infant over 2 years old

 

  • Reduced language development
  • It does not turn in the direction of the voice or the noise
  • He often asks 'what' or misunderstands what is said
  • Inability to manage emotions (anger, isolation)
  • Unsatisfactory school progress
  • Turn up the volume of the TV or sit close

 

Causes of childhood hearing loss

 

Prenatal causes of hearing loss are diseases during pregnancy, infections and ototoxic drugs, while perinatal causes are prematurity, low birth weight, hypoxia, jaundice, trauma and infections.Finally, postnatal causes are infections, otitis media, injuries and the use of handsfree headphones. Finally, postnatal causes are infections, otitis, injuries and ear plugs.

Diagnosis of childhood hearing loss

 

In recent years, special methods allow us to detect hearing loss early so that treatment of the problem can begin in time. The methods used vary. The choice of the appropriate method is based on the age of the child and the possibility of his active participation in the process.

Acoustic test – depending on the age of the child


At the age of 0-6 months:

 

  • Behavioral observation
  • Tympanometry & sound reflexes
  • Evoked brainstem potentials (ABR).
  • Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)

 

At the age of 6 – 36 months:

 

  • Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
  • Tympanometry & sound reflexes
  • Evoked brainstem potentials (ABR).
  • Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)

 

At the age of 3 years - 5 years:
 

  • Play audiometry
  • Tympanometry & sound reflexes
  • Evoked brainstem potentials (ABR).
  • Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)

     

5 years old :

 

  • Tympanometry & sound reflexes
  • Audiogram

     

How is childhood hearing loss treated?


Childhood hearing loss is a typical example where early diagnosis plays a decisive role in its correct treatment. Treating it quickly can significantly change a child's quality of life by improving hearing problems before they can lead to a speech delay. Depending on the severity and type of the condition and evaluating a set of factors, the most appropriate treatment method is chosen. In most cases, the use of appropriate pediatric hearing aids is indicated, which help the development of speech and the overall progress and development of the child. Hearing aids are usually fitted bilaterally, adjusted according to Earton Services' pediatric protocol. Hearing aids can be applied even in infancy and help in all cases and types of hearing. In very severe cases it may be necessary to place a cochlear implant. Finally, it is important to have a collaboration with a speech therapist and a child psychologist so that the whole team can help the child in his linguistic and social development.

 

 

Childhood Hearing Loss
Childhood Hearing Loss