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It can be worrying whether a baby doesn’t respond to their name being called or is not startled by loud noises, and even more so when those indicators continue into adulthood. These are possible signs of hearing loss, and parents need to be aware to get the help their child needs.
Continue reading to learn more.
Causes of Hearing Loss
There are various possible causes of hearing loss, but some of the most common causes include the following:
If there are issues with the inner ear’s development or if the nerve between the ear and the brain is somewhat damaged, hearing loss may be present at birth. This is known as congenital sensorineural hearing loss, which can be mild, moderate, or severe.
There are many illnesses and injuries that can cause hearing loss. For instance, meningitis, a serious bacterial infection, can cause hearing loss as a side effect in one or both ears. Head injuries, like the ones caused by accidents, can also be considered a cause of hearing loss.
Otitis media is known as an infection of the middle ear caused by a buildup of mucus and fluid in the middle ear. This can result in permanent hearing loss in persistent and severe cases. In children, it is the most common cause of hearing loss.
Treatments for hearing loss will vary depending on the cause of the hearing loss. Some of the treatments involve:
If the hearing loss is caused by a certain infection, antibiotics will be prescribed, and the child will be treated for that condition. Regular use of medication can help reduce the risk of severe hearing loss.
A doctor may recommend that a child have ear tubes placed if it is caused by fluid buildup in the middle ear. Ear tubes are small tubes inserted into the ear drums. This will allow the fluid to drain while minimizing the possibility of hearing loss.
Hearing aids are recommended when your hearing loss is severe or permanent. These are tiny devices that fit in your ear and amplify sound, which can greatly help a child improve their ability to communicate with others and make it easier for them to hear.
Hearing loss is associated with a range of different symptoms. These can include ringing in the ears, difficulty hearing certain sounds, and even complete deafness in some cases. Children can have difficulty following conversations, and you may find them asking people to repeat themselves more often.
It’s paramount to diagnose hearing loss. Expect to have your child examined for a hearing test, which is needed to determine the severity of your hearing loss and if treatment is necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent further damage to your hearing and improve your quality of life.
As a parent, it’s important to be vigilant about your child’s hearing health and well-being. Now that you’ve learned the basics about hearing loss, it’s time to take action and get your child’s hearing checked.
In need of a hearing test in Abbotsford? At Beltone Hearing Centre, we connect with you as a person and understand what you enjoy in life, as well as what’s important in a healthcare partner in hearing care. Get in touch with us today!