Hearing Loss in Children
Hearing loss in children
Hearing is vitally important at all ages, but this is especially true in childhood when we are learning to interact and communicate. Hearing loss in childhood can occur through many different causes and the vast majority are manageable with very good results for your child. If left untreated, presence of a hearing loss can make it difficult for a child to develop their speech and language skills, miss out on conversation and not hear clearly whilst at school.
If you have any concerns with your child’s hearing, arranging an assessment can help to put your mind at rest. Call now or complete the form to arrange a consultation with one of our highly trained paediatric clinical audiologists.
Signs your child may not be hearing
- They ask you to repeat things frequently
- They don’t respond when you call their name
- They respond incorrectly in conversation
- They have difficulty producing certain speech sounds
- They talk at a high volume or shout
- They turn the television up loud
Reasons for Hearing loss in Children
There are two main types of hearing loss:
Conductive hearing loss:
- This is caused by sound not being able to travel through the ear due to a blockage in the middle or outer ear.
- In childhood, this is most commonly the result of congestion or fluid build-up behind the eardrum, often known as Glue Ear.
- Some temporary forms of conductive hearing loss may benefit from a consultation with an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, which your audiologist can advise you on.
- Conductive hearing losses are often temporary but can be sometimes permanent. They can cause varying degrees of hearing difficulty and should be monitored closely for any changes.
Sensorineural hearing loss:
- This is caused by the inner ear not being sensitive enough to detect various pitches and volumes of sound.
- They can be present at birth or acquired during childhood following certain health conditions or for unknown reasons. If a sensorineural hearing loss is identified for the first time in childhood, it may be beneficial to be referred to a doctor to further investigate the cause.
- Sensorineural hearing losses are typically permanent and require frequent monitoring to detect potential changes.
Management of Children’s Hearing Loss
Whether a hearing loss is temporary or permanent, children typically receive a great deal of benefit from using a hearing aid to amplify the sounds they may be missing. Whether at home or at school this ensures that they have access to even soft levels of speech to aid their learning and communication.
As an independent children’s hearing aid provider, we have a wide range of potential options to suit the needs and preferences of every family. All devices are carefully prescribed to match your child’s hearing and their progress is closely monitored to ensure they are receiving maximum benefit.
If you have any hearing loss concerns in your child, please contact us today to book a hearing consultation or complete the form.
