Causes of Hearing Loss in Children
Hearing is an essential sense that enables communication, learning, and social interaction. However, hearing loss in children can significantly impact their development and quality of life. In this blog post, we will explore some of the common causes of hearing loss in children, shedding light on the importance of early detection and intervention.
What is Hearing Loss
Children’s hearing loss may be congenitally present at birth or may appear later in childhood (acquired). Congenital hearing loss can be inherited (genetic) or brought on by illnesses contracted during pregnancy, such as rubella or the cytomegalovirus. Babies who are in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are more likely to suffer from hearing loss. Hearing loss can be a standalone disorder or a sign of a syndrome with other symptoms. In rare circumstances, genetic testing can assist in identifying the source of hearing loss. Infectious conditions like meningitis or chronic ear infections, as well as trauma and specific drugs, can all result in acquired hearing loss.
The type of hearing loss might vary depending on its cause and place of origin.
- Sensorineural hearing loss is a persistent type of hearing loss caused by damage or malformation of the inner ear (cochlear) or auditory nerve.
- Conductive hearing loss happens when the eardrum is pierced, there is a buildup of earwax, a foreign object is stuck in the ear, or there is a buildup of fluid. In some situations, drugs or surgery may be used to treat conduction hearing loss.
Depending on how bad it is, hearing loss is classified as mild, moderate, severe, or profound.
Symptoms
- Hearing loss, such as the inability to perceive faint noises
- Not responding to sound
- Early children’s delayed language and speech development
- Muddled speech
Factors That Can Lead To Hearing Loss in Children
The following are the causes of hearing loss in children
1. Genetic Factors: Genetic factors play a significant role in hearing loss among children. Approximately 50-60% of childhood hearing loss cases have a genetic component. Certain genetic mutations or abnormalities can affect the development and function of the inner ear, leading to hearing impairment. It is essential for parents to be aware of their family history and consult with healthcare professionals if there is a history of hearing loss.
2. Infections: Infections, especially during pregnancy or early childhood, can contribute to hearing loss in children. Conditions such as maternal rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, or meningitis can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear and result in permanent or temporary hearing loss. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of these infections are crucial to minimize the impact on a child’s hearing abilities.
3. Ototoxic Medications: Some medications, when used in high doses or for prolonged periods, can have toxic effects on the auditory system. These medications are known as ototoxic drugs. Examples include certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is essential for healthcare providers to carefully monitor the use of such medications in children, particularly those with pre-existing hearing conditions.
4. Noise-induced Hearing Loss: Exposure to excessive noise levels can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in children. Prolonged exposure to loud music, fireworks, firearms, or machinery without adequate hearing protection can cause irreversible damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. Parents should educate their children about the importance of wearing hearing protection in noisy environments and limit their exposure to loud sounds.
5. Congenital Factors: Certain congenital factors can contribute to hearing loss in children. These include conditions like Down syndrome, Usher syndrome, or Treacher Collins syndrome, among others. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to conduct routine hearing screenings for infants to identify any potential congenital hearing impairments.
Why Early Detection of Hearing Loss is Crucial
In order to prevent your child from experiencing a delay in the process of learning the language, which starts the moment they are born, the hearing impairment must be identified as soon as possible. This is the reason a formal newborn hearing screening is performed before the baby is sent home from the hospital after birth. However, if you or your child’s pediatrician suspect that they have a hearing impairment at any point in their childhood, insist on a prompt professional hearing evaluation.
Some general practitioners, pediatricians, and well-baby clinics offer tests for hearing loss or middle-ear fluid. Your child may be referred to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) or an audiologist (a hearing specialist) if an impairment is found.
Types of Hearing Tests For Kids
Tests of the auditory brainstem and otoacoustic emissions – One of the two available tests may be administered to your child if they are under six months old, have major developmental delays, or are unable to participate with or understand a hearing examination. These tests resemble those carried out during newborn hearing examinations. They might last from five minutes to an hour and are painless.
- During deep sleep, the auditory brainstem response (ABR) test analyses how the brain reacts to sound. Soft earphones are used to play clicks or tones into the baby’s ears while electrodes are attached to the baby’s head to monitor the baby’s brain activity. Infants younger than three or four months old have ABRs done when they are sleeping naturally. For an ABR, older infants and toddlers must be anesthetized.
- The otoacoustic emissions test quantifies the sound waves that the ear produces. When clicks or tones are played into the infant’s ear, a tiny probe that is inserted just inside the ear canal analyses how the baby reacts. For this quick screening exam, babies and small children typically do not need to be sedated or take a nap. Any age may perform this.
Behavior audiometry – With a cooperative infant as young as six months old, behavioral audiometry, also known as conditioned response audiometry, can be carried out. In this exam, both visual and aural stimuli are used. It can assess the frequency-specific hearing levels of newborns and toddlers, but not ear-specific levels.
Each ear’s eardrum function and hearing levels can be assessed using formal behavioral audiometry. Soft earbuds that deliver sounds and words to the ear are used for this. Children between the ages of three and five usually tolerate it well.
In order to confirm the diagnosis, a more thorough hearing evaluation should be performed as soon as possible if these tests indicate that your baby may have a hearing impairment. Even a slight hearing loss can have an impact on hearing in general, thus it should be carefully identified and treated.
Helpful – Cochlear Implant vs Hearing Aid
Treatment For Children With Hearing Loss
The reason for hearing impairment will determine how it is treated. The doctor may just suggest that your child be retested in a few months to check whether the fluid has cleared on its own or if the hearing loss is only minor conductive hearing brought on by fluid in the middle ear. Antihistamines, decongestants, and antibacterial medications are unsuccessful in removing middle ear fluid.
Ventilating tubes – The doctor can advise referral to an ENT expert if there is no improvement in hearing after three months and there is still fluid behind the eardrum. The specialist might advise emptying the fluid through ventilation tubes if it persists and causes enough (even if transient) conductive hearing impairment. These are placed surgically via the eardrum. Your child will need a general anesthetic in order for this quick, basic procedure to be completed properly.
Hearing aids – A hearing aid may help restore hearing to normal or nearly normal levels if conductive hearing loss is brought on by an outer- or middle-ear abnormality. A hearing aid, however, only functions when it is worn. Particularly in the case of a very young child, you must always make sure it is turned on and operating. When the child gets older, reconstructive surgery may be taken into account.
Cochlear Implants – The majority of children with typical development who receive cochlear implants at a young age and receive rigorous therapy following the procedure can acquire good to outstanding hearing and can be supported in a mainstream educational environment. Additionally, practically all kids with cochlear implants become more conscious of the sounds around them.
Best Hospitals for Cochlear Implant in India
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi
- Artemis Hospital, Delhi
- Amrita Hospital, Faridabad
- Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai
- Fortis Hospital (FMRI), Gurgaon
- MGM Hospital, Chennai
- Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad
Bottom Line
Understanding the causes of hearing loss in children is vital for early detection, intervention, and management. Genetic factors, infections, ototoxic medications, noise exposure, and congenital conditions can all contribute to hearing loss. By being aware of these causes, parents, healthcare providers, and educators can work together to ensure that children with hearing loss receive the necessary support, interventions, and accommodations to thrive in their personal and academic lives. Early detection and appropriate intervention can significantly improve a child’s overall quality of life and future prospects.
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