Hearing loss is prevalent among adults, 40 million experience hearing loss. This is unsurprising, as many people expose their ears to loud noises at work or during leisurely activities. However, hearing loss is not limited to grown-ups, with research showing that three out of 1,000 children are born with it. Aside from this, 12% of kids and teens develop hearing loss because they were exposed to extremely loud sounds.
Therefore, it becomes mandatory for parents to prioritize their children’s ear health to determine if they indeed have hearing loss. This article will delve deeper into how hearing loss affects children and how they can manage their hearing loss.
What Types of Hearing Loss Affect Children?
Hearing loss is often categorized into three main types, each with its causes and appropriate solutions, although some kids can experience both simultaneously.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Your child may have conductive hearing loss if they often insert foreign items in their ears or a wax buildup in their ear canal. They may also struggle to process sounds around them when there is an injury to the eardrum or bone abnormality. These situations prevent sound waves from reaching the inner ear. You should note that conductive hearing loss can be corrected and your child can regain hearing. An audiologist can remove impacted earwax or foreign objects, and things will return to normal.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This kind of hearing loss is permanent and is a result of extensive damage to the cochlea membrane and hair cells. In this case, sound signals can’t be transferred to your child’s brain, even if there is no blockage in their middle ear. Prolonged exposure to extremely loud sounds, premature birth and genetic factors are common triggers. Some kids are born with sensorineural hearing loss, although some develop it over time. Although this condition cannot be reversed, your child can still hear and communicate with their peers with the use of hearing aids.
How Can You Tell If Your Child Has Hearing Loss?
Fortunately, hearing loss is not something that you can detect; certain signs and symptoms will alert you to the possibility, including the following:
- Children with mild hearing loss may experience challenges with detecting softer sounds. That said, they may not hear you if you speak to them in a mild voice.
- With moderate hearing loss, kids may give up following any conversation when there is background noise.
You should also schedule a visit with your audiologist if:
- They love to watch TV at the highest volume.
- They experience learning challenges, abnormal speech and delayed language skills.
- Not responding when you or others call their name.
Why Should Your Child with Hearing Loss Use Hearing Aids?
If your child has permanent hearing loss, you can improve their lives by investing in hearing aids. This is because they can allow them to learn better at school and play with their friends without feeling left out. These devices make sounds louder for the brain to process, allowing your kid to hear. And thanks to innovative advancements, you can get models your child can wear inconspicuously if they feel shy about it. However, you should see your audiologist for the most suitable hearing aids for them.
