According to the CDC, for every 1,000 children in the United States, 1 to 3 of them will have pediatric hearing loss. Hearing loss in children can have a significant impact on their development and future success. Not to mention it can be extremely scary and confusing for parents to navigate. Our team at Virginia ENT is here to help break down the types, causes, symptoms and treatment of pediatric hearing loss so that you feel more confident identifying and navigating it.
Types and Causes
Pediatric hearing loss is a broad term that encompasses several different types. Hearing disorders in children can either be congenital or present at birth, usually due to a genetic condition or infection during pregnancy, or acquired (developed over time). Loss of hearing can range from temporary to permanent. In some cases, hearing loss may be mild and only affect the ability to hear certain frequencies, while in other cases, it can be profound, impacting the child’s overall development and communication skills.
Early detection is crucial for managing hearing loss in children, as it can significantly affect language development, social skills, and academic performance. Regular hearing screenings and prompt medical evaluation help ensure that children receive the necessary interventions. Treatment options for pediatric hearing loss include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and speech therapy, depending on the severity and cause of the hearing loss. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that supports children’s hearing health and overall development for a brighter future.
Types of pediatric hearing loss include:
- Temporary: Hearing loss can be temporary, caused by earwax or middle ear infections. Children with a temporary loss of hearing can have their hearing restored through medical treatment or minor surgery.
- Permanent: Unfortunately, some children have sensorineural hearing loss (sometimes called nerve deafness), which is permanent. Most of these children have some usable hearing, and children as young as three months of age can be fitted with hearing aids.
- Sudden: Abrupt loss of hearing in one or both ears is an urgent concern that requires immediate evaluation and management from our team.
- Noise-induced: NIHL is a hearing disorder characterized by a gradual, progressive loss of high-frequency hearing sensitivity over time as a result of exposure to excessive noise levels.
Symptoms
If your child’s pediatric hearing loss develops after a newborn hearing screening, they may exhibit some of the following signs and symptoms. In infants, this may look like:
- Not awakening, startling, moving, crying or reacting in any way to loud noises,
- Not turning his/her head in the direction of your voice, or
- Not freely imitating sound
In children, signs and symptoms include:
- Difficulty speaking
- Often asking for you to repeat what you said
- Misunderstanding directions
- Turning up the volume on their television, tablet or similar device
Treatment
Our team at Virginia ENT proudly offers evaluation and customized management plans for pediatric hearing loss in infants and children. Our audiologists will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify potentially treatable causes and attempt to restore lost hearing function. We understand the importance of early intervention and work closely with parents to develop an individualized treatment approach. Whether it’s recommending hearing aids, cochlear implants, or speech therapy, our goal is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full developmental potential. Your child’s hearing health is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Treatment varies based on the degree of hearing loss and its root cause. However, some common treatment options include:
- Medication
- Surgery
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
If our team finds evidence of a hearing disorder in your child, they will work with you to develop a customized treatment and management plan, and help to educate you so that you fully understand your child’s condition.
