Hearing Problems in Children

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OVERVIEW

What are hearing problems in children?

There are many types of hearing problems in children. Many of these problems result in hearing loss. This loss may be only temporary, but it can also be permanent. It’s important that parents and other caretakers recognize the signs of hearing loss. The sooner you recognize a hearing problem, the better it will be for your child.

Children learn how to talk by hearing and imitating the sounds of people around them. And children start to learn about language and speech before they learn to talk. So the sooner your child has access to sound, the better. If your baby has a hearing problem, exploring communication options early on can help avoid speech delays and problems.

SYMPTOMS

Signs of hearing loss in very young children may not be easy to notice. Hearing problems may not become obvious until children are 12 to 18 months of age. This is when they should begin saying their first words. Children who can’t hear well often respond to their environment by using their senses of sight and touch. This can hide their hearing problems.

CAUSES

There are many things that can cause hearing problems in children. Some children are born with hearing loss. This is called congenital hearing loss. Hearing loss that occurs later is call acquired hearing loss.

Congenital hearing loss

Sometimes healthcare providers can identify what caused congenital hearing loss but often they can’t. This type of hearing loss can be genetic (it runs in families) or non-genetic.

There are a few ways parents can pass along hearing loss to their child (genetic loss).

Both parents carry the recessive gene for hearing loss and pass it along.
One parent carries the dominant gene for hearing loss and passes it along.
One parent passes along a genetic syndrome (Down Syndrome, Usher Syndrome, etc.).

Non-genetic causes are most often related to illness or trauma before or during birth. Common non-genetic causes of hearing loss in children include:

An infection in the mother while pregnant, such as cytomegalovirus, rubella (German measles), and herpes simplex virus
Premature birth
Maternal diabetes
Drug or alcohol abuse during pregnancy

Acquired hearing loss

Acquired hearing loss can happen at any time in your life. It is usually caused by an injury or illness. Here are just a few things that can cause acquired hearing loss:

Serious head injury
Frequent ear infections
Medicines that harm the ear
A hole in the ear drum
Infections and viruses, such as meningitis, encephalitis, chicken pox, and measles
Fluid in the middle ear
Sustained exposure to loud noises

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How are hearing problems in children diagnosed?

Children who are born with hearing problems can usually be diagnosed with a hearing screening. All babies should have a hearing screening within 1 month after being born. Many hospitals screen newborn babies for hearing problems. If your newborn baby has not had a hearing screening, contact your healthcare provider.

Find out how your child is doing with their hearing and speech development by reviewing the milestones below. For more information, including milestones up to age 5, see the For More Information Section below. If you are concerned about your child’s development, it is important to contact your health care provider to see if your child should be checked for hearing problems.

By 6 Months of Age – Does your child:	Yes	No
Startle to loud sounds (by 3 months of age)?
Smile at you by 3 months of age?
Have different cries for different needs (by 3 months)?
Turn their eyes toward voices and interesting sounds?
Babble and make different sounds ?
Make cooing sounds (by age 3 months)?
Smile at you (by 3 months)?
Enjoy toys that make sound or music?
Enjoy people games like peek-a-boo)
Make sounds back when you talk?

7-12 Months of Age – Does your child:	Yes	No
Respond to their name?
Pay attention when spoken to?
Let you know what they want by using sounds or actions like pointing?
Wave hi/bye?
Begin to follow simple directions, like Where is your nose?

12 to 18 months – Does your child:	Yes	No
Use familiar words?
Smile and laugh while playing with you?
Point to body parts or pictures in a book when asked?
Look at your face when talking to you?
Enjoy looking at books with you?

PREVENTION

Can hearing problems in children be prevented or avoided?

Some types of hearing loss can’t be prevented or avoided. Most types of congenital hearing loss can’t be prevented. There are a few exceptions. Congenital hearing loss caused by substance abuse while pregnant can be avoided.

More types of acquired hearing loss are preventable. You can help your child avoid hearing loss by:

Seeing that ear infections are medically treated.
Making sure your child always wears a helmet when riding bikes and skateboards to prevent head trauma.
Keeping your child away from prolonged loud noises
Noticing early signs of a hearing problem

TREATMENT

Hearing problems can be temporary or permanent. Ear infections or fluid or pressure changes in the middle ear from other causes can cause temporary hearing problems that go away with time or treatment. Most permanent hearing problems are present at birth, and may be hereditary (run in families) or may be caused by medical problems. In some cases, the cause of a hearing problem may be unknown.

If your child has permanent hearing loss, contact your healthcare provider about communication options. Several types of hearing devices are available for children. Your healthcare provider may refer you to an audiologist (a healthcare provider who specializes in hearing problems) to help you decide which hearing device is right for your child. Your healthcare provider may also talk with you about other options to help your child communicate, such as lip-reading or sign language. Contact your healthcare provider about whether your child might also benefit from listening therapy or speech therapy.

Living with hearing problems in children

Hearing loss ranges from mild to profound. There are many tools that can help your child hear. The type of hearing loss he or she has will determine which tools can work for him or her. If your child’s hearing loss is mild to moderate, a good hearing aid can help them. If their hearing loss is severe to profound, they may benefit from a cochlear implant.

The most important thing is that your child learns to communicate despite their hearing loss. This may mean that you and your child need to learn sign language. Your child may need to learn how to read lips. Be flexible and patient. Know that there are many professionals who can help you reach communication goals for your child.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Contributed by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

Nova Scotia Telecare, Reviewed by Clinical Services Working Group, April 2024

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