| Hearing impairment in a child can be devastating to | | | | conductive, which can be temporary or sensorineural, |
| child and parents alike. Parents should learn the types | | | | which is permanent. |
| and treatment options for hearing problems. | | | | Signs of Hearing Loss in Infants and ChildrenFrom birth |
| Every parent hopes that her child will be happy and | | | | to four months of age, if the infant does not stir or |
| healthy. Many mothers and fathers do not know | | | | startle at loud noises there may be hearing loss. Other |
| anything about hearing trouble in kids until one of their | | | | indications of hearing problems at this age are not |
| own children is diagnosed with hearing loss. This article | | | | calming at the sound of familiar voices and not smiling |
| will discuss the types of hearing loss children can have, | | | | or cooing at the sound of a parent or caregiver's |
| as well as signs to look for and treatment options. | | | | voice. |
| Types and Causes of Childhood Hearing LossThe first | | | | At ages four to nine months, if the baby does not turn |
| type of hearing loss in children is congenital or present | | | | her eyes toward sources of familiar sounds, smile |
| at birth. Causes of congenital hearing loss can be wide | | | | when spoken to, notice rattles and other sound making |
| and varied. Infections in pregnancy such as German | | | | toys, cry differently depending on needs, make |
| Measles,Toxoplasmosis, and Cytomegolavirus can lead | | | | babbling sounds, or simple word and hand motion |
| to hearing loss from birth. Use of Ototoxic medication | | | | combinations, there may be auditory issues that require |
| by the pregnant woman can also lead to damaged | | | | medical attention. |
| hearing in the baby. Any number of birth complications | | | | In preschool age and older children, warning signs of |
| can be factors as well. | | | | possible hearing loss include excessive volume while |
| Other things can lead to congenital hearing loss tool. | | | | watching TV, responding inappropriately to questions, |
| Disorders of the brain and nervous system can leave | | | | not replying when called, articulation or speech delays, |
| a baby with hearing loss. Genetic problems such as | | | | academic problems, complaints of ear pain, difficulty |
| Downs Syndrome, Usher's Syndrome, and | | | | understanding what people are saying, and speaking |
| Waardenburgs Syndrome can also cause hearing loss | | | | differently than other kids their age. These signs do not |
| from birth. Family history can also be a factor in babies | | | | mean the child definitely has damage to their hearing, |
| born with auditory problems. | | | | however. |
| The other category of hearing loss is acquired. Children | | | | Treatment of Childhood LossChildren found to have |
| can acquire hearing damage in many ways. Untreated | | | | hearing loss are often referred to ear, nose & |
| middle-ear infections can cause hearing loss. Other | | | | throat (ENT) physicians. Depending on the nature of |
| infections such as meningitis, mumps, measles, or | | | | the hearing loss, hearing aids or other devices may be |
| whooping cough can also impair a child's hearing. | | | | needed. If the damage is severe, speech pathology |
| Perforated eardrum is yet another cause of acquired | | | | and rehabilitation may be necessary. The earlier these |
| hearing loss. Excessive noise, disease, serious head | | | | sorts of problems are detected, the less the child's |
| injury, and use of Ototoxic medication are also causes | | | | functionality will suffer. |
| of acquired hearing loss. Both categories can be either | | | | |