Many of us associate hearing loss with the elderly, but the condition can – and does – affect people of all ages. Approximately three out of every 1,000 babies are born with hearing loss in Louisville, and the number of teens and adolescents diagnosed with a hearing impairment is on the rise, thanks in large part to too much noise. Because hearing loss can have a significant negative impact on a child’s learning and development, it’s crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Causes and Symptoms of Pediatric Hearing Loss
Children in Louisville can develop hearing loss as the result of a number of different factors. These include congenital anomalies present at birth, such as genetic disorders, prenatal problems or premature birth; otitis media (middle ear infections), a common childhood ailment in which fluid accumulation in the middle ear can potentially cause permanent damage; and acquired hearing loss resulting from illness, trauma, noise exposure or medications.
Recognizing symptoms of hearing loss in children can be difficult, especially when they’re young. Be on the lookout for any of the following signs:
- Delayed speech and language
- Failure to respond to loud noises or a parent’s voice
- Poor academic performance
- Frequent middle ear infections
- Disorders associated with hearing loss (e.g., Down syndrome, autism)
- Family history of hearing loss
Any of these signs should prompt you to schedule your child for a hearing evaluation with a Louisville audiologist ASAP.
Treating Childhood Hearing Loss
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss in Louisville, rest assured that there are many treatment options available, depending on a number of factors such as the child’s age, the underlying cause of their hearing loss and the type and severity of their impairment.
Popular solutions include hearing aids, cochlear implants, assisted listening devices, surgically implanted ear tubes, medications and more. The sooner you take action, the less chance there is of your child experiencing speech or learning difficulties. Be sure to contact an audiologist in Louisville at the first sign of a problem.