Causes of Hearing Loss in Children
Hearing loss in children is typically the result of an inflammation in the middle ear caused by a buildup of fluid.
The fluid buildup may not be infected, but it can cause hearing loss.
This diagnosis is usually called "otitis media".
If a child has otitis media, the symptoms, severity, and length of the condition vary.
Symptoms could range from a short period of time with thin and clear, noninfected fluid.
This usually results in little to no pain or fever for the child, but does cause slight hearing loss.
Another symptom, and a symptom that is pretty extreme, entails a think "glue-like" fluid that could result in some permanent hearing loss.
Otitis media is the most common cause of hearing loss in young children (infants to 1 year of age).
It is reported that nearly 75% of children will experience at least one occurrence of otitis media by their third birthday.
Otitis media is prevalent in children because of how the inner ear is laid out in kids vs.
adults.
The Eustachian tube, the passage area between the middle ear and the back of the throat, is smaller and more horizontal in children than it is in adults.
Because of this, it can be blocked easier by conditions like large adenoids and other infections.
Once the Eustachian tube changes in size and angle, children will always be more vulnerable to otitis media.
Early Diagnosis The good news about children who suffer from losing hearing is technology is so advanced that there are solutions for many hearing problems found in children.
The most effective method of treatment is to simply detect the problem as early as possible.
Once the hearing problem is identified, you can then fitting your child with a hearing aid.
Special education programs are in place to help children get a start on maximizing their hearing capabilities.
Because speech is often developed based on a child trying to mimic the noises they hear around them, these special education programs can help children with hearing loss with their speech development as well.
Types of Hearing Loss There are two primary reasons that children suffer from some loss in hearing.
These include congenital (present at birth) and acquired (hearing impairment that developed after birth).
Possible causes of congenital hearing impairment includes: infections during pregnancy, otoxic medication used during pregnancy or a family history of hearing loss, just to name a few.
The possible causes of acquired hearing impairment include untreated middle-ear infection such as otitis media, excessive exposure to loud noises (loud music, fireworks, etc.
), or a perforation of the eardrum.
Speak to a hearing specialist about any concerns you may have about your child and hearing loss.
The fluid buildup may not be infected, but it can cause hearing loss.
This diagnosis is usually called "otitis media".
If a child has otitis media, the symptoms, severity, and length of the condition vary.
Symptoms could range from a short period of time with thin and clear, noninfected fluid.
This usually results in little to no pain or fever for the child, but does cause slight hearing loss.
Another symptom, and a symptom that is pretty extreme, entails a think "glue-like" fluid that could result in some permanent hearing loss.
Otitis media is the most common cause of hearing loss in young children (infants to 1 year of age).
It is reported that nearly 75% of children will experience at least one occurrence of otitis media by their third birthday.
Otitis media is prevalent in children because of how the inner ear is laid out in kids vs.
adults.
The Eustachian tube, the passage area between the middle ear and the back of the throat, is smaller and more horizontal in children than it is in adults.
Because of this, it can be blocked easier by conditions like large adenoids and other infections.
Once the Eustachian tube changes in size and angle, children will always be more vulnerable to otitis media.
Early Diagnosis The good news about children who suffer from losing hearing is technology is so advanced that there are solutions for many hearing problems found in children.
The most effective method of treatment is to simply detect the problem as early as possible.
Once the hearing problem is identified, you can then fitting your child with a hearing aid.
Special education programs are in place to help children get a start on maximizing their hearing capabilities.
Because speech is often developed based on a child trying to mimic the noises they hear around them, these special education programs can help children with hearing loss with their speech development as well.
Types of Hearing Loss There are two primary reasons that children suffer from some loss in hearing.
These include congenital (present at birth) and acquired (hearing impairment that developed after birth).
Possible causes of congenital hearing impairment includes: infections during pregnancy, otoxic medication used during pregnancy or a family history of hearing loss, just to name a few.
The possible causes of acquired hearing impairment include untreated middle-ear infection such as otitis media, excessive exposure to loud noises (loud music, fireworks, etc.
), or a perforation of the eardrum.
Speak to a hearing specialist about any concerns you may have about your child and hearing loss.
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