All parents want their children to be healthy. Therefore, they take care of regular checkups, supplement vitamins and serve nutritious meals. However, this does not always prevent all the diseases that the person we care for may suffer from. Especially limiting contact with other children can reduce immunity. So it’s a good idea to carry out routine examinations, such as a hearing test, eye test, and physical therapy exams, to see if your baby is developing harmoniously.
Hearing loss in a child – diagnosis
There are two times when a young child’s hearing is tested. The first is a screening test performed for each newborn born in a hospital. They are intended to check congenital defects in the structure of the ear canal and genetic conditions. Unfortunately, this type of hearing test may be unreliable if the child has amniotic fluid in the ear canal. Therefore, pediatricians, on each checkup, ask a number of questions about the child’s harmonious development. The second time when a child is tested for hearing loss is when the child is about two years old. Parents are concerned about speech development difficulties or lack of word repetition. Often they first go to a speech therapist who is not able to help in such a situation. Then the speech therapist directs you to the ENT specialist. The ENT specialist performs another hearing test and checks how severe the hearing loss is. After that, it is necessary to undergo a complete diagnosis. There is another situation when hearing impairment is diagnosed – but it happens less often. During the checkup of an older child, the pediatrician notices irregularities. However, this applies to children whose percentage of hearing loss is lower. They can hear most sounds – even if they aren’t very clear. What parents mistakenly call a speech impediment is simply a hearing loss.
The causes of hearing loss
There are many causes of hearing loss in children. Often, genetics contribute to hearing loss. On prenatal examinations, you can already notice underdeveloped auricles or blockage of the ear canals. In case of physical problems with the outer part of the ear, you may find that a simple procedure will restore your child’s hearing. Hearing loss is also a complication after childhood diseases. Both mumps and even common otitis can lead to hearing loss. Mechanical damage can also cause loss or reduction of hearing. Children often put various objects in their ears unknowingly. Too much pressure can damage the inner ear.
Recommended actions in case of hearing loss in children
Medicine is also developing very dynamically when it comes to audiology and ENT. Most of the children with hearing loss assisted by hearing aids can fully develop their speech. Also, cochlear implantation procedures are becoming more and more common – thanks to them, even people with a complete hearing loss gain have the possibility to hear again. Other disadvantages may also be minimized in the near future.
