Our hearing is perhaps the sense we are most likely to take for granted. But for thousands of children throughout the country, hearing loss is a genuine threat that can have a major impact on their young and adult lives.
According to the CDC, around 1.7% of the 98% of babies born in 2017 were identified as having some form of permanent hearing loss. More shockingly, many of the children who required intervention didn’t receive these vital follow-up services. But what is the cause of hearing loss in children and what can you do as a parent to ensure your children are protected from it?
Causes and risk factors
Unfortunately, around 60% of the time it’s genes that are responsible for hearing loss and in this case, there’s very little you can really do in a preventative sense. However, infections during pregnancy and complications after birth are responsible for hearing loss in around 30%.
Many of these infections can be screened for and prevented early and for after birth complications there are numerous tests that children can take to ascertain whether or not they require further assistance. Perhaps consider starting with a free online hearing test before potentially contacting your family doctor.
As far as risk factors are concerned, watch for children that are born weighing less than five and a half pounds, as one in four children weighing less than this suffer hearing loss. So, if your baby is a little on the light side it might be worth getting them checked out.
When to evaluate hearing
In the US, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program means all newborns should’ve their hearing tested before they are discharged from the hospital. But even if your baby doesn’t pass that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem as fluid in the ear can interfere. This is why you should always get a re-test 3 months and then 6 months after the birth. During their childhood, meanwhile, their hearing should be tested annually or whenever there is a concern.
Symptoms
Even if your baby passes the initial screening there are certain symptoms of hearing loss in children you should keep an eye and ear out for.
- Newborns not being startled by sudden loud sounds.
- A baby of 3 months or older not being able to recognise their parent’s voices.
- A baby of 6 months or older not turning their head to loud sounds.
- A baby of 12 months or older not being able to speak even basic words.
Treatment
Treatment will always depend on the diagnosis and type of hearing loss, not to mention the degree of hearing loss. Cochlear implants and hearing aids are obviously an option, however, health insurance will rarely cover them. This is why auditory therapy is the best long-term option and is comfortably the best way to ensure your child is comfortable and happy, whatever their level of hearing.
