Top Causes of Hearing Loss in Children

Nearly two out of every 1,000 newborns are found to have hearing loss, and about five out of every 1,000 children ages 3 to 17 have hearing loss.¹ While the causes of hearing loss may be temporary or long term, hearing loss in children, especially during the early years, can negatively impact their speech and language development. Here’s what you need to know about causes, symptoms and treatment of hearing loss in children.

Temporary causes of hearing loss in children

An inner ear infection, also known as otitis media, is one of the most common causes of temporary hearing loss in young children. The condition occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum, making sounds appear muffled or inaudible. Treatment can include medication or minor surgery that allows the fluid to drain.

Another cause of temporary hearing loss in children includes obstructions, such as earwax buildup or a foreign object stuck in the ear canal.

Permanent causes of hearing loss in children

Most permanent hearing loss in children is present at birth and is also known as congenital hearing loss. Causes may include:

• Hereditary or genetic factors such as having a parent with hearing loss or parents with a recessive gene for hearing loss. Other factors can include Down syndrome, Usher syndrome and Treacher Collins syndrome.
• Exposure to disease before birth or complications during birth. Low birth weight, maternal diabetes and drug and alcohol abuse during pregnancy can lead to hearing loss.

Permanent causes of hearing loss in children that occur after birth can include the following:

• An illness such as measles or meningitis
• A head injury
• Noise-induced hearing loss

Signs of hearing loss in children

Since very young children can’t communicate effectively, it can be hard for parents and caregivers to know if kids are experiencing hearing loss. Yet being able to recognize common signs of hearing loss in children can lead to faster treatment and better outcomes. Start by checking the speech, language and development milestones by age range established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) here.

Be sure to contact your child’s doctor right way if you notice any of these symptoms of hearing loss in children:

• Little or no reaction to loud noises or the sound of your voice
• Not understanding directions
• Ear pain, pulling on or scratching ears
• Irritability
• Wanting the volume on the television louder than usual

Treating permanent hearing loss in children

Most hospitals are required to perform hearing screenings on all newborns before they leave the hospital, making it easier to detect and treat hearing loss as early as possible. Depending on the type and severity of hearing loss, hearing loss treatment options for children can include hearing aids, cochlear implants, surgery, assisted listening devices and speech therapy. In fact, current technology includes hearing aids that can be used in children as young as one month old. Hearing aids especially designed for children can include special coverings and accessories that make it easier to keep the devices in place.

If you have any concerns or notice any of the symptoms listed above, contact your child’s doctor right away. Your child’s pediatrician can refer you to a pediatric audiologist, ENT or other hearing specialist. The sooner hearing loss is identified, the sooner your child can begin treatment and minimize any impact on language, learning and overall development.

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