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Hearing loss in kids can be challenging to notice. This is especially true if the loss is mild or if your child has developed coping mechanisms to deal with the issue.
However, undiagnosed hearing difficulty in children can have far-reaching consequences. For instance, it can hinder a child’s performance in school as well as their social development.
If you are concerned about your kid’s hearing, here are a few things to watch out for.
What Causes Hearing Loss in Children?
Noise exposure is generally the leading cause of hearing loss. Often, it is years of continuous exposure to loud sounds that lead to hearing difficulties. Therefore, one can understand why you might not expect young kids with minimal noise exposure to experience hearing loss.
However, quite a few other factors cause hearing problems, and some of them affect children.
Temporary hearing loss can be caused by earwax build-up or accumulation of mucus in the ears. A child who has had several bouts of ear infections is also susceptible to temporary hearing loss. Additionally, if a foreign object is lodged in the ear, it might cause an obstruction, leading to temporary hearing loss.
On the other hand, permanent hearing loss can result from a genetic disorder that affects the development of the ear. Some diseases, like rubella, can also cause permanent damage to the ear.
If you expose a young baby to deafening noises, even for brief periods, you may cause irreversible damage to their ears. Accidents that cause skull fractures or concussions can also lead to permanent hearing impairment.
How To Tell When a Child Has Hearing Loss
When kids are young, it can be pretty difficult to tell whether they have a hearing issue. This is particularly true for kids who can’t yet speak. However, you can watch out for missed developmental milestones to determine if your child has hearing difficulties.
For instance, an infant who does not respond to sudden loud noises might have a hearing problem. If the child cannot identify their caregivers’ voice by six months, it points to a possible hearing issue. A child who cannot string simple words together by the age of two might also need to see an audiologist.
You can also tell that a child has hearing difficulties if:
- They ask you to repeat things often
- They watch what you say so they can better understand you
- They report having a good ear
- They talk louder than they did in the past
- They request that you turn up the TV volume so that they can hear
- They experience a sudden dip in their academic performance
- They mispronounce words and are prone to mishearing
How to Help A Child With Hearing Loss
If you have any concerns about your child’s hearing, you should book an audiology appointment. The audiologist will conduct some tests to determine whether your kid has any difficulties. Then they will prescribe measures to alleviate the condition.
Conclusion
Nothing quite compares to the peace of mind a parent enjoys from knowing that their kid is healthy and safe. If you have a nagging feeling about your child’s hearing, you ought to act promptly. The same applies to a child who is showing any of the signs on this post.
As with any condition, early diagnosis of hearing loss leads to more efficient interventions. Don’t hesitate to schedule your appointment. Your child will thank you for it.
