CHILDHOOD HEARING LOSS
Hearing Loss in Children:
Its decrease in the ability to perceive sounds. It can be partial or total, sudden or gradual, temporary or permanent. It can affect one ear or both. In general, the risk of hearing loss increases with age. The prevalence of deafness in India is fairly significant. It is the second most common cause of disability. Approximately 63 million people (6.3%) in India suffer from significant auditory loss.
Types of Hearing Loss in Children:
- Conductive Hearing Loss: Outer &/Or Middle ear damage.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Inner ear damage.
- Mixed Hearing Loss: Outer & / Or middle ear & Inner ear damage.
What causes hearing loss in Children?
What are the Signs/Symptoms for Hear loss?:
- Speech delay.
- Poor school performance.
- Frequent & recurrent ear infections.
- Does not respond when you call his/her name.
- Persistent ear discomfort after exposure to loud noise (regular and constant listening to electronics at high volumes)
- Inappropriate answers in conversations.
- Read lips or more intently watch people's faces when they speak with you
How it affects Child's quality of life?:
- Speech delay.
- Difficulty in developing Language
- Unclear or No Speech at all
- Disturbed socialization with others
- Lower self-esteem & confidence
How to avoid it???
- Avoid heavy noise exposure for long periods
- Don’t ignore discharging ear
- Eat dark fruits & vegetable more
- If child has cold, treat it immediately
- Consult an ENT specialist & Audiologist immediately if you see any Signs/Symptoms of Hearing Loss.
What if already have hearing loss.....
- Get the Hearing Tested
- Use Hearing Aids as soon as possible
Ear Treatments