Hearing is an integral part of communication, and hearing loss can significantly impact a child's ability to develop social skills, learn, and succeed academically. Knowing the different types of hearing loss and disorders that can affect your child's hearing abilities is essential as a parent.
The three main types of hearing loss affecting children are conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.
Conductive Hearing Loss: This type of hearing loss occurs when a problem in the outer or middle ear prevents sound waves from reaching the inner ear. It could be caused by issues such as ear infections, fluid in the ear, or structural abnormalities. Children with conductive hearing loss may struggle to hear soft sounds or understand speech in noisy environments.
Examples of Conductive Hearing Loss
- Ear infection: Ear infections commonly cause conductive hearing loss in children. The fluid buildup in the middle ear can prevent sound from passing through to the inner ear. As a result, children may experience muffled or reduced hearing.
- Congenital malformations: Children born with outer or middle ear abnormalities may also have conductive hearing loss. For example, a malformed ear canal can cause sound waves to be reflected or absorbed before they reach the eardrum.
- Earwax buildup: When excessive earwax accumulates in the ear canal, it can block sound waves from reaching the eardrum. Children with excessive earwax may experience temporary conductive hearing loss until the wax is removed.
Early Signs:
- Tugging or pulling at the ears
- Difficulty sleeping or irritability
- Fever
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Difficulty hearing soft sounds
Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This type of hearing loss occurs when there is a problem in the inner ear or auditory nerve that carries sound signals to the brain. Genetic factors, infections, head trauma, or exposure to loud noises can cause it.
Examples of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- Genetic factors: Genetic mutations can affect the development of the inner ear and cause sensorineural hearing loss in children. This hearing loss can be present at birth or develop over time.
- Infections: Certain infections, such as meningitis or cytomegalovirus (CMV), can damage the inner ear and lead to sensorineural hearing loss in children.
- Noise exposure: Exposure to loud noises over time, such as from listening to loud music or living in a noisy environment, can cause permanent damage to the hair cells in the inner ear and lead to sensorineural hearing loss.
Early Signs:
- Lack of startle response to loud noises
- Delayed speech and language development
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
- Difficulty understanding speech, even in quiet environments
Mixed Hearing Loss: This hearing loss occurs when a child has conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. It means a problem exists in the outer/middle ear and inner ear/auditory nerve.
Some causes of Mixed Hearing Loss
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
- Chronic ear infections: Children who experience frequent ear infections may develop mixed hearing loss over time. The conditions can cause damage to the middle ear and lead to conductive hearing loss while also causing damage to the inner ear and resulting in sensorineural hearing loss.
- Head trauma: A head injury that damages both the outer or middle ear and the inner ear can result in mixed hearing loss.
- Ototoxic medications: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs, can cause conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Early Signs:
- Difficulty hearing soft sounds
- Tugging or pulling at the ears
- Fever
- Fluid draining from the ear
Parents must be vigilant of any early signs of hearing loss in their children. These could include delayed speech and language development, frequently asking for repetition, turning up the volume of the TV or radio, or not responding to sounds. If you suspect your child is experiencing hearing loss, seek professional help immediately.
Understanding the different types of hearing loss and disorders affecting your child's hearing is essential. As a parent, you are responsible for monitoring your child's hearing abilities and seeking professional help. Don't overlook early signs of hearing loss in your child. Get them the support they need to thrive.
Don't let hearing loss hold your child back. If you suspect your child is experiencing hearing loss, contact Listening Lab Malaysia today for a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Early intervention can make a world of difference! Let your child undergo the test in our clinic for proper guidance and planning. Book an appointment today and save money by getting the right treatment plan for your child. You may also contact us through Whatsapp.
