Do you sometimes feel like your child isn't listening properly when you talk to them? Or does it seem like they're less likely to respond to sounds? This could be because they have a hearing impairment. We call this 'hearing loss' . Don't worry, if we are aware of this, we can deal with this situation well.
What are the types of hearing impairments?
Okay, now let's look at the main types of hearing loss, or hearing impairment. The causes and treatments for each type are different. To be precise, this classification varies depending on where the problem lies in the ear, or whether it is in the messages going to the brain.
Conductive hearing loss
This is one type. Simply put, conductive hearing loss is when something blocks the sound from the outside world from reaching the inner ear. Think of it like something getting stuck in a water pipe. It's usually caused by:
- Frequent ear infections .
- Earwax means that the earwax has accumulated and become hard .
- There is something wrong with the three small bones in the middle ear.
Most of the time, this type of hearing loss can be cured with medication or minor surgery.
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL)
This is a little different. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) occurs when there is damage to the sensitive part of the inner ear, the cochlea , or to the auditory nerve that carries sound from there to the brain. This is often the cause of permanent hearing loss.
There may be several reasons for this:
- If someone in the family has this condition, it could be genetic .
- Some genetic diseases can occur as part of a genetic syndrome .
- Due to certain infections that the mother develops during pregnancy, or infections that the baby develops later (for example , meningitis ).
- Due to the use of certain medications that are harmful to the ears (ototoxic drugs) .
- Frequent exposure to very loud noises can also affect this.
Mixed hearing loss
The name suggests it, right? Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both the previously mentioned conductive and sensorineural types of hearing loss. That means there is a problem with the way sound travels through the ear, and there is a problem with the inner ear or the nerve.
Central hearing loss
This is a bit rare. Central hearing loss is caused by damage to the parts of the brain that process and analyze sound signals after they reach the brain. Even if the ear is fine, the brain cannot process it properly.
Auditory processing disorder (APD)
This is also a bit of a complicated situation. Children with auditory processing disorder (APD) have good hearing. That means hearing tests may be normal. However, the brain has difficulty separating and understanding the sounds that travel from the ear to the brain, especially spoken words. Imagine, in a room with many people talking, it is difficult for one person to understand what they are saying. They may have difficulty distinguishing words from the noise, finding the direction of the sound, and understanding fast-paced speech.
Why does this hearing loss occur?
A question that many parents ask is, 'Why did this happen to our baby?' In fact, it is often difficult to find a specific cause . However, there are some risk factors that increase the likelihood of a child developing hearing loss. Let's take a look at what they are:
- Being born with a congenital malformation of the ear .
- Hearing impairment in other family members, especially during childhood.
- The baby was born prematurely, or had to receive treatment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after birth.
- During the newborn period, jaundice with elevated bilirubin levels requiring a blood transfusion.
- Frequent ear infections, perforated eardrums, or exposure to loud noises.
- Suffering from serious infections such as meningitis or cytomegalovirus (CMV) .
- Having to take certain types of Ototoxic medications (these are only given in cases of extreme necessity on medical advice).
It can happen for reasons like these. But remember, hearing loss can occur without any of these things.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
This is very important. Because a small child may not understand what you are saying to them . This is especially difficult to recognize in very young babies. Children with hearing loss may not respond to sounds or speech. Also, their ability to speak, that is, language development, may be delayed.
If your baby doesn't respond to these things within the first year, you should definitely talk to a doctor.
Characteristics of newborns and babies a few months old
- A newborn baby: When they suddenly hear a loud noise, they startle and seem to 'throw up'.
- Around 3 months: Recognizes mom and dad's voices .
- Around 6 months: Turns eyes or head toward a new sound. Repeats sounds like 'uh...', 'ah...'.
- 12 months, which is about a year: Makes sounds like 'ba ba ba', 'ma ma ma' , responds to his name , tries to imitate words, says a few words like 'amma' and 'ta ta'.
These developmental milestones are very important. Pay attention if they are delayed.
Characteristics of slightly older children
As the child gets older, signs of hearing loss may include:
- Speech is limited, unclear, or not spoken at all .
- It seems like you're not paying attention to what's being said, and you're not following instructions .
- Does not respond when spoken to in a normal voice, or gives irrelevant answers .
- When there is a lot of noise around you, you quickly become anxious and feel upset .
- You need to turn up the volume on the TV a lot .
- Learning difficulties arise.
Some hearing problems may develop gradually after birth, or may not show up until later in life. If you have any concerns about your child's hearing, talk to a doctor right away. Your child may need to be referred to an audiologist for a full hearing test.
How do you recognize this condition?
The most important thing is to identify this problem as early as possible . Because if treatment is started before a child is 6 months old, the results are very successful . That is why every newborn baby now undergoes a hearing screening test before leaving the hospital.
Just think, if you weren't able to get your baby tested before they went home, or if your baby was born at home or at another birth center, be sure to have your baby's hearing tested within the first 3 weeks of life .
Failure to pass this initial screening test does not mean that the baby will definitely not have hearing. However, it does mean that it should be re-tested as soon as possible, within one month of birth. If it is confirmed that there is a hearing loss, treatment should be started immediately.
Even children with normal hearing should have their hearing checked regularly during their regular medical checkups. These hearing tests are usually done at ages 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 , as well as between the ages of 10 and 12 (preteen years) and during the teen years . In addition, a doctor will check your hearing at any other time if there is any doubt about your hearing.
How is it treated?
Treatment options depend on the type of hearing loss, its cause, and the severity of the condition . Children with permanent hearing loss require the help of a team of specialists. This team may include an audiologist , an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT doctor) , a speech-language therapist , and an education specialist .
Children with certain types of hearing loss can be helped with medical treatments, therapies, and surgeries. Let's take a look at what they are:
Hearing aids
" Hearing aids amplify and clarify sound. If babies born with permanent hearing loss start using hearing aids before they are 6 months old , their language development is much better."
"There is no such thing as 'this is the best type of hearing aid.' Your audiologist will help you choose the right one for your child's needs. Many children with hearing loss in both ears use two hearing aids."
FM systems
" An FM system (Frequency modulation - FM system) reduces unwanted background noise and makes the speaker's voice heard clearly and loudly. Imagine a teacher in a school classroom wearing a small microphone and a transmitter . An electrical signal from this transmitter goes to a receiver , either worn by the child in the ear or attached to the hearing aid itself. Since this can be carried around, it can be used at home or in other noisy places."
Cochlear implants
" Cochlear implants can help children with severe hearing loss who cannot benefit from hearing aids. This is a device that is surgically implanted in the ear . It works by bypassing the parts of the ear that are not working properly and directly stimulating the auditory nerve. With proper training and therapy, children with cochlear implants can learn to hear and speak well."
Hearing habilitation/rehabilitation
" Hearing habilitation is the process of helping children who are born with hearing loss to hear and communicate with others. This may include Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT) , speech therapy, lip reading, or learning American Sign Language (ASL) . Your audiologist and doctor will work with you to determine the best way for your child to communicate. Children who lose their hearing as they get older learn these communication methods, which is called hearing rehabilitation ."
What else do we need to know?
Even mild hearing loss can affect a child's speech, language, learning, and social skills. That's why it's important to refer babies and young children with hearing loss to early intervention programs . These programs provide free therapy services to children who qualify. Older children may be eligible for special education services when they start school.
Getting this help as early as possible is the best way to prevent developmental delays in a child and improve their overall development.
You can also find more information and support about this online. For example:
- 'Hearing Loss in Children' section of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) website.
Remember as a summary
Okay, so from what we've discussed, you should have understood what hearing loss in children is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. The most important thing is that if you have even the slightest doubt about your child's hearing, don't ignore it and seek medical advice immediately.
- Early identification and early intervention are the best things for a child's future.
- Make sure every newborn baby undergoes a newborn hearing screening .
- Be aware of your child's developmental milestones .
- If you are diagnosed with a hearing loss, seek help from the right team of specialists .
- Remember, you are not alone. With the right support and awareness, you can cope with this condition successfully. Don't let this stop your child from living a happy, successful life like any other child.
` Hearing loss, hearing, hearing loss in children, Hearing Loss, hearing tests, hearing aids, cochlear implants
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