Signs Of Hearing Loss In Children
Hearing, especially in children, is critical to speech and language development. If your child is suffering from hearing loss, in one ear or both, it could set them back developmentally for years, and if it is left untreated, they may remain behind and will struggle for years afterwards because of it. 
Children that are identified early with listening difficulties stand a better chance to thrive in spite of it.
There are four ways in which hearing loss can affects a child’s development:
- Communication
- Learning
- Social development
- Future vocation
Signs & Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Definitive signs that your child may be experiencing hearing loss include:
- Your child responds inconsistently to sound.
- Language and speech development is delayed.
- Speech is unclear to them.
- The sound is turned up on radios, televisions, CD players and video games and will remain so even after being told to turn it down.
- Inability to follow directions.
- The first response to anyone who speaks to your child is “Huh?”
- Your child does not respond when called.
Causes of Hearing Loss
The major cause of potential hearing loss in children is Otitis Media, otherwise known as an ear infection. It is caused by fluid building up and causing inflammation in the middle ear, the area behind the eardrum. The fluid that builds up may or may not be infected, and the presence of infection will determine the severity of the symptoms.
The symptoms of this condition that can cause sudden hearing loss in children will vary in the severity, frequency and length. In one extreme, Otitis media will have a single short period of clear fluid building up without pain or fever and only a slight decrease in hearing. At other times, the fluid can be very thick and infected and may cause permanent hearing loss.
Other hearing loss causes include noise induced hearing loss, which is caused by prolonged exposure to extreme decibel levels, ototoxic drug interactions that can occur with some antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as childhood diseases like measles, chicken pox and mumps. Vaccinations are imperative at every stage of a child’s life to avoid severe side effects like hearing issues. In some families, cases of sensorineural hearing loss may be genetic, so be sure to discuss your family history in detail with your pediatrician.
When is an Examination Called For?
If your child loses focus on activities, is listless, irritable and is pulling or scratching at their ears, they may have an ear infection. If they also begin to turn up the volume on televisions and radios, or begin to speak louder than normal, then one or both of their ears has been blocked by the fluid buildup. It is essential that they be examined immediately by your doctor. If you are concerned about your child’s sudden hearing loss, schedule an appointment with Pedi Partners today for a comprehensive vision and hearing screening.
Signs Of Hearing Loss In Children
Hearing, especially in children, is critical to speech and language development. If your child is suffering from hearing loss, in one ear or both, it could set them back developmentally for years, and if it is left untreated, they may remain behind and will struggle for years afterwards because of it.
Children that are identified early with listening difficulties stand a better chance to thrive in spite of it.
There are four ways in which hearing loss can affects a child’s development:
- Communication
- Learning
- Social development
- Future vocation
Signs & Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Definitive signs that your child may be experiencing hearing loss include:
- Your child responds inconsistently to sound.
- Language and speech development is delayed.
- Speech is unclear to them.
- The sound is turned up on radios, televisions, CD players and video games and will remain so even after being told to turn it down.
- Inability to follow directions.
- The first response to anyone who speaks to your child is “Huh?”
- Your child does not respond when called.
Causes of Hearing Loss
The major cause of potential hearing loss in children is Otitis Media, otherwise known as an ear infection. It is caused by fluid building up and causing inflammation in the middle ear, the area behind the eardrum. The fluid that builds up may or may not be infected, and the presence of infection will determine the severity of the symptoms.
The symptoms of this condition that can cause sudden hearing loss in children will vary in the severity, frequency and length. In one extreme, Otitis media will have a single short period of clear fluid building up without pain or fever and only a slight decrease in hearing. At other times, the fluid can be very thick and infected and may cause permanent hearing loss.
Other hearing loss causes include noise induced hearing loss, which is caused by prolonged exposure to extreme decibel levels, ototoxic drug interactions that can occur with some antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as childhood diseases like measles, chicken pox and mumps. Vaccinations are imperative at every stage of a child’s life to avoid severe side effects like hearing issues. In some families, cases of sensorineural hearing loss may be genetic, so be sure to discuss your family history in detail with your pediatrician.
When is an Examination Called For?
If your child loses focus on activities, is listless, irritable and is pulling or scratching at their ears, they may have an ear infection. If they also begin to turn up the volume on televisions and radios, or begin to speak louder than normal, then one or both of their ears has been blocked by the fluid buildup. It is essential that they be examined immediately by your doctor. If you are concerned about your child’s sudden hearing loss, schedule an appointment with Pedi Partners today for a comprehensive vision and hearing screening.