HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN: SIGNS, TYPES, CAUSES & TREATMENT

Hearing Loss in Children: Signs, Types and Causes

Hearing loss is sometimes called an “invisible” disability because you cannot always tell that someone has hearing loss simply by looking at them. Hearing loss may not cause physical pain, but it can affect a child’s communication, language, learning, and social development.

Hearing loss can happen at any age. Some children are born with hearing loss, while others develop it later because of genetic factors, infections, certain medicines, loud noise, or other causes.

Signs of Hearing Loss in Children

Parents and caregivers may be among the first people to notice possible signs of hearing loss.

Some signs in babies and young children include:

• Not reacting to loud sounds.
• Not turning toward sounds as expected.
• Not responding when their name is called.
• Delayed speech or language development.
• Speech that is difficult to understand.
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
• Turning the television or other devices up too loudly.
• Having difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy places.

If you think your child may have hearing loss, talk to a doctor or audiologist and arrange a hearing screening or hearing test.

Signs of Normal Hearing and Development

Children develop hearing, speech, language, and communication skills at different rates. The following are general examples of developmental behaviors.

From Birth to 3 Months

A baby may:

• React to loud sounds.
• Wake up or startle at loud sounds.
• Become soothed by a familiar voice.
• Begin making sounds such as “goo.”

From 3 to 6 Months

A baby may:

• React to a familiar voice.
• Turn their head or eyes toward sounds.
• Listen to voices.
• Enjoy toys that make sounds.
• Smile when someone talks to them.

From 6 to 12 Months

A baby may:

• Respond to their name.
• Make different babbling sounds.
• Begin understanding familiar words.
• Turn toward familiar sounds.
• React to changes in a person's tone of voice.

Around 12 Months

A child may:

• Copy sounds they hear.
• Recognize their name.
• Understand some familiar words and simple requests.

From 12 to 18 Months

A child may:

• Follow simple directions.
• Point to familiar objects or body parts when asked.
• Use a few simple words.
• Combine sounds and words.

Around 2 Years

A child may:

• Understand simple questions.
• Use familiar words.
• Make simple sentences.
• Follow simple instructions.

Around 3 Years

A child may:

• Use short sentences.
• Tell a simple story.
• Know their name and familiar family members.
• Sing simple songs.

Children do not all reach developmental milestones at exactly the same time. If you have concerns about your child's hearing or development, discuss them with a healthcare professional.

Types of Hearing Loss

There are several types of hearing loss. Hearing loss can be described by where the problem occurs, which ear or ears are affected, or how the hearing changes over time.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when a problem in the outer or middle ear interferes with sound reaching the inner ear.

Possible causes include:

• Ear infections.
• Fluid in the middle ear.
• Earwax blocking the ear canal.
• Problems affecting the ear canal or eardrum.

Conductive hearing loss may make sounds seem quieter. Depending on the cause, treatment may include medicine, removal of an obstruction, or surgery.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss involves the inner ear or the nerve pathways that carry sound information to the brain.

Possible causes include:

• Genetic factors.
• Certain infections.
• Certain medicines.
• Exposure to loud noise.
• Other conditions affecting the inner ear or auditory system.

Sensorineural hearing loss may be permanent. Treatment and hearing technology depend on the individual cause and degree of hearing loss.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss includes both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This means there may be a problem affecting sound transmission through the outer or middle ear as well as a problem involving the inner ear or auditory system.

Unilateral Hearing Loss

Unilateral hearing loss affects one ear. A child may have normal or better hearing in one ear while having hearing loss in the other ear.

The degree of hearing loss can vary from mild to profound.

Children with unilateral hearing loss may have difficulty:

• Locating where sounds are coming from.
• Understanding speech when there is background noise.
• Hearing classroom instructions.
• Following conversations in noisy environments.

If you notice possible hearing difficulties, an audiologist can perform a hearing evaluation.

How Can You Help a Child With Unilateral Hearing Loss?

Support depends on the child's individual hearing needs. Options may include:

• Hearing aids, when appropriate.
• Assistive listening systems, which can help some children hear speech more clearly.
• Classroom accommodations, such as seating where the child can hear the teacher clearly.
• Reducing unnecessary background noise.
• Making sure teachers know about the child's hearing needs.

Protecting the child's hearing from very loud sounds is also important.

Progressive Hearing Loss

Progressive hearing loss is hearing loss that becomes worse over time. Hearing may change over weeks, months, or years.

Progressive or delayed-onset hearing loss can have different causes, including genetic factors, certain infections, medical conditions, some medicines, and other factors.

Signs That Hearing May Be Changing

Parents may notice that a child:

• Frequently asks people to repeat themselves.
• Turns the television volume up.
• No longer responds to sounds they previously noticed.
• Has increasing difficulty following conversations or instructions.
• Has new problems at school.
• Has balance or dizziness symptoms along with hearing changes.

If you notice a change in your child's hearing, arrange a hearing evaluation. A sudden change in hearing needs prompt medical attention.

Fluctuating Hearing Loss

Fluctuating hearing loss changes over time. A child may hear better at some times and worse at others.

Possible causes can include problems involving the outer or middle ear, certain inner-ear conditions, and other medical conditions. The cause needs to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Signs can be difficult to notice, especially in babies and young children. An older child may:

• Have difficulty following directions.
• Become less attentive.
• Have trouble understanding speech.
• Say that sounds seem different.
• Have difficulty hearing with background noise.

If you notice changes in your child's hearing, an audiologist can perform appropriate hearing tests.

Auditory Neuropathy

Auditory neuropathy is a hearing disorder in which the inner ear can detect sound, but the transmission of sound information from the ear to the brain is disrupted.

Children may hear sounds but have difficulty understanding speech clearly, particularly in noisy situations.

The degree of hearing loss can vary. Hearing may remain stable or change over time.

How Is Auditory Neuropathy Diagnosed?

Audiologists may use several tests because different tests examine different parts of the hearing system.

Two important tests are:

• ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response): measures responses along the auditory pathway to sound.
• OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions): measures sounds produced by the inner ear's outer hair cells.

Other tests may include tympanometry, pure-tone testing, and speech testing, depending on the child's age and abilities.

What Causes Auditory Neuropathy?

Auditory neuropathy can have several possible causes. Risk factors in children can include premature birth, problems involving oxygen around birth, jaundice, certain medical conditions, and genetic factors.

How Can You Help a Child With Auditory Neuropathy?

Support depends on the child's hearing and communication needs. Options may include:

• Hearing aids for some children.
• Assistive listening technology.
• Cochlear implants for some children.
• Speech and language support.
• Sign language or other communication approaches.

A pediatric audiologist and other healthcare professionals can help determine which options are appropriate for an individual child.

Hearing Screening and Testing

Hearing screening can identify children who may have hearing loss. It is quick and painless, and babies can often be screened while they are asleep.

The CDC recommends that babies receive hearing screening by 1 month of age. If a baby does not pass the screening, a complete hearing evaluation should be completed as soon as possible, ideally by 3 months of age.

A child who passes a newborn hearing screening can still develop hearing loss later. Parents should therefore pay attention to changes in hearing, speech, language, and communication as the child grows.

If you are concerned about your child's hearing, talk to a doctor or audiologist rather than waiting for the problem to become more noticeable.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN

What Are the Signs of Hearing Loss in Children?

Signs may include not responding to sounds or their name, difficulty understanding speech, delayed speech or language development, frequently asking for repetition, or turning the television volume up. Signs can vary depending on the child's age and type of hearing loss.

What Causes Hearing Loss in Children?

Hearing loss in children can have many causes, including genetic factors, infections, problems affecting the middle or inner ear, certain medications, exposure to loud noise, and certain medical conditions. In some cases, the exact cause may not be identified.

Can a Child Be Born With Hearing Loss?

Yes. Some children are born with hearing loss. It can be associated with genetic factors, certain infections during pregnancy, complications around birth, or other medical factors. Newborn hearing screening can help identify hearing loss early.

Can Hearing Loss Affect Speech Development?

Hearing plays an important role in developing speech and language. When a child has difficulty hearing speech consistently, it may affect their ability to recognize and learn speech sounds and language. Early identification and appropriate support can help address a child's individual communication needs.

What Are the Types of Hearing Loss in Children?

The main types include conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. Hearing loss can also be described as unilateral when it affects one ear or bilateral when it affects both ears.

What Is Unilateral Hearing Loss?

Unilateral hearing loss means that a child has hearing loss in one ear. Children with unilateral hearing loss may have difficulty locating sounds or understanding speech in noisy environments, although the impact varies from child to child.

How Is Hearing Loss Diagnosed in Children?

An audiologist may use different hearing tests depending on the child's age and development. These can include OAE, ABR, tympanometry, pure-tone testing and speech testing. More than one test may be needed to understand a child's hearing accurately.

When Should a Child Have a Hearing Test?

A child should have a hearing evaluation if a parent or caregiver notices concerns about their response to sounds, speech or language development, or ability to understand conversations. Newborn hearing screening is also an important part of early hearing detection.

What Is Auditory Neuropathy?

Auditory neuropathy is a hearing disorder in which the inner ear may detect sound, but the transmission or processing of sound information along the auditory pathway is disrupted. Children may hear sounds but have difficulty understanding speech clearly.

Can Children Develop Hearing Loss After Passing a Newborn Hearing Screening?

Yes. Passing a newborn hearing screening does not guarantee that a child will have normal hearing throughout childhood. Hearing loss can develop later, so parents and caregivers should pay attention to changes in hearing, speech, language and communication as the child grows.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN

What Are the Signs of Hearing Loss in Children?

Signs may include not responding to sounds or their name, difficulty understanding speech, delayed speech or language development, frequently asking for repetition, or turning the television volume up. Signs can vary depending on the child's age and type of hearing loss.

What Causes Hearing Loss in Children?

Hearing loss in children can have many causes, including genetic factors, infections, problems affecting the middle or inner ear, certain medications, exposure to loud noise, and certain medical conditions. In some cases, the exact cause may not be identified.

Can a Child Be Born With Hearing Loss?

Yes. Some children are born with hearing loss. It may be associated with genetic factors, certain infections during pregnancy, complications around birth, or other medical factors. Newborn hearing screening can help identify hearing loss early.

Can Hearing Loss Affect Speech Development?

Yes. Hearing plays an important role in speech and language development. If a child has difficulty hearing speech consistently, it may affect their ability to recognize and learn speech sounds and language. Early identification and appropriate support can help address the child's individual communication needs.

What Are the Types of Hearing Loss in Children?

The main types are conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. Hearing loss can also be described as unilateral when it affects one ear or bilateral when it affects both ears.

What Is Unilateral Hearing Loss?

Unilateral hearing loss means that a child has hearing loss in one ear. It may make it harder to locate sounds or understand speech in noisy environments. The impact can vary from child to child.

How Is Hearing Loss Diagnosed in Children?

An audiologist may use different tests depending on the child's age and development. These may include OAE, ABR, tympanometry, pure-tone testing, and speech testing. More than one test may be needed to understand a child's hearing.

When Should a Child Have a Hearing Test?

A child should have a hearing evaluation if parents or caregivers notice concerns about the child's response to sounds, speech or language development, or ability to understand conversations. Newborn hearing screening is also an important part of early hearing detection.

What Is Auditory Neuropathy?

Auditory neuropathy is a hearing disorder in which the inner ear may detect sound, but the transmission or processing of sound information along the auditory pathway is disrupted. A child may hear sounds but have difficulty understanding speech clearly.

Can Children Develop Hearing Loss After Passing a Newborn Hearing Screening?

Yes. Passing a newborn hearing screening does not guarantee that a child will have normal hearing throughout childhood. Hearing loss can develop later, so parents and caregivers should pay attention to changes in hearing, speech, language, and communication as the child grows.