Congenital hearing loss is hearing loss, full or partial, that is present at birth. It is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions diagnosed in children. There is no cure for congenital hearing loss, but there are management options that may prevent further hearing loss and prevent speech-language developmental delays.
Symptoms and Causes
Most developed countries have neonatal screening practices that enable early detection; this allows for early intervention that gives the child the greatest potential for successful developmental outcomes. Symptoms in infants are difficult to notice, so neonatal screening that displays a baby’s responses to stimuli on a monitor takes place.
In older children, symptoms can present as the following:
- Delayed language skills or behavioral issues
- Earaches or liquid draining from the ear
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Tinnitus
- Listening to the TV or other devices at a loud volume or being unable to follow conversations in bustling environments like DuPont Lodge
Congenital hearing loss is most commonly a genetic cause. During development, various aspects of the ear may not be fully formed, resulting in hearing loss. Mutations of specific genes can also cause hearing loss. Environmental factors such as Zika, parasitic or bacterial infections, drug and alcohol use during pregnancy and jaundice can also cause congenital hearing loss.
Hearing Loss and Management Options
There are three types of congenital hearing loss to be aware of, each necessitating a different management option. Hearing specialists, in partnership with other doctors, can formulate symptom management options depending on the cause and severity of hearing loss.
Types of congenital hearing loss include:
- Conductive hearing loss: Hearing loss of the outer or middle ear, preventing sound from properly moving through the ear
- Sensorineural hearing loss: The cochlea or auditory nerve pathway is affected.
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss
The type of hearing loss will drive the options for preventing further hearing loss and promoting speech-language development.
Options include:
- Learning Sign Language
- Cochlear Implants
- Hearing Aids
Early detection and intervention are key in preventing developmental delays due to hearing loss. Facing congenital hearing loss can open a range of questions, but the hearing specialists at Heuser Hearing Institute are available to answer any questions and target the next steps. Contact Heuser Hearing Institute to schedule an appointment today.