This article was submitted to me by new blogger John O'Connor from Blogging With John O. Like me, John has a desire to spread the word about hearing loss and related issues. We hope you learn something new from it!
In the United States, two to three children in every 1000 suffer hearing loss or are completely deaf. Unfortunately, some hearing loss in small
children is not recognized until the child is already behind in language. Early intervention is necessary to help
parents take the necessary steps to prevent delays in language development.
What Precautions Can Be Taken to Prevent Hearing Loss In Children?
What Precautions Can Be Taken to Prevent Hearing Loss In Children?
All 50 states offer a newborn hearing screening, Early detection is crucial, and along with early intervention, children can learn to listen and speak without getting behind in language skills.
What are the Causes of Childhood Hearing Loss?
Otitis Media
This condition can lead to permanent
hearing loss if left untreated. Otitis media is a middle ear infection that
often occurs in underdeveloped Eustachian tubes common in developing children.
With this type of infection, the fluid builds behind the eardrum and becomes
infected. If the fluid remains there for a prolonged period of time, it can
impair hearing.
Acquired Hearing Loss
Acquired Hearing Loss
Certain illnesses can
cause hearing loss in children. These conditions include: encephalitis,
meningitis, measles, influenza, head injuries, chickenpox, genetic hearing
loss, very loud noises and certain medications.
Congenital Factors
Congenital Factors
Some children who are
afflicted with hearing loss from childbirth may experience loss because of
genetics or because of prenatal complications. More than half of children’s
congenital hearing problems are due to genetics. Children’s hearing loss can
also occur when the mother has diabetes or toxemia during pregnancy. Hearing
loss is also more common in children born prematurely.
How to Notice Hearing Loss in Children
How to Notice Hearing Loss in Children
- Children Do Not React to Loud Noises
- Children Do Not Respond to a Mother’s Voice
- Children Pull or Rub Ears
- Children Are Irritable for No Apparent Reason
- Children Do Not Understand/Follow Directions
- Child is not reaching early language milestones
- Child Has Ear Pain accompanied by a Fever
How to Treat Childhood Hearing Loss
Medications
A pediatrician may
prescribe antibiotics to alleviate the symptoms associated with ear infections
and hearing loss.
Hearing Aids
Hearing Aids
Children with hearing
loss can begin wearing hearing aids as early as one month old.
Ear Tubes
Ear Tubes
A child may need ear
tubes to drain the fluid from the eardrum and prevent infection. Children may
require an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for this procedure.
Implants
Implants
Children may require
cochlear implants or electronic devices to help with hearing. These devices
should be used only after hearing aids have been found ineffective.
There are many different causes of hearing loss, some of which cause immediate degradation of a person's ability to hear, while others are more gradual. Knowing the causes of hearing loss can help you keep your hearing and maintain optimal ear health.
ReplyDeleteI have learned a lot form this post. Most cases of hearing loss are acquired from accidents and due to the environment.
ReplyDeleteMore and more teens are being diagnosed from noise-induced hearing loss. (Think i-pods and such) Acquired hearing loss is most typically due to age or noise-induced. But most cases of hearing loss in general are still congenital - meaning that they were born with it.
ReplyDelete