Environmental factors, genetics, and medical conditions can all contribute to hearing loss in children. Hearing is essential to a child's development, which plays a vital role in speech, learning, social skills, and overall quality of life. If you notice that your kid has difficulty hearing, see a pediatrician without delay.
During development, from infancy to adolescence, hearing loss can take place. Doctors may help avoid speech and language development issues when diagnosed and treated early. Seek advice from the top child specialist doctor in Siliguri, Dr. Prince Parakh.
Possible Reasons for Hearing Problems in Children
For better results and early diagnosis, it is crucial for parents or caregivers to be aware of the possible causes of hearing problems in kids and to know when and how to get help.
Pediatric hearing concerns can be either temporary or permanent/long-term, and it can range from mild, modest to severe. Many underlying reasons exist there, and these can be roughly divided into acquired (developed after birth) and congenital (existing at birth) problems.
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Congenital Causes
Genetic Factors: Genetic factors are very common and account for approximately half of all congenital hearing loss cases in kids. This may be nonsyndromic, meaning that hearing loss is the sole symptom, or it may be a sign of a syndrome, such as Waardenburg syndrome or Usher syndrome.
Birth Complications: The baby's auditory system is sometimes impacted by premature birth, low birth weight, and oxygen deprivation during delivery. Plus, infections like rubella or CMV in the mother during pregnancy can affect the baby’s auditory functions.
Structural Abnormalities: Some babies are born with inner or outer ear abnormalities, which might affect their hearing ability.
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Acquired Causes
Ear Infections (Otitis Media): One of the most common causes of temporary hearing loss in kids is ear infections (otitis media) due to fluid accumulation behind the eardrum.
Excessive Earwax: Although this is usually harmless, excessive earwax can trouble the ear canal and momentarily reduce hearing.
Loud Noises: When kids are exposed to loud noises, sensitive structures inside the ear can be harmed, such as music played through headphones or in noisy settings.
Trauma or Injury: Sensorineural hearing loss in kids may result from a head injury or an abrupt, loud noise.
Meningitis or Other Illnesses: If left untreated, serious diseases that impact the brain and nervous system can also impair hearing in kids.
Options for Medical Care and Treatment
The underlying reason for hearing loss determines which treatment will serve your child’s well-being. To identify the kind and intensity of hearing loss and suggest a suitable course of therapy, a pediatrician or audiologist can perform testing.
Medications Like Antibiotics
Antibiotics and decongestants are often used to treat infections that cause hearing loss in kids in order to solve the infection and return hearing to normal.
Tubes for the Ears
A pediatric expert may advise a simple surgical operation to implant ear tubes in children who have persistent ear infections.
Cochlear Implants
This can be a great alternative for your child with severe sensorineural hearing loss who doesn't respond well to hearing aids. Receive advice from the best child specialist doctor in Siliguri City.
Speech and Language Therapy
Children with hearing loss can benefit from early intervention programs, including speech therapy and auditory training, to boost communication skills.
Consult a pediatrician right away if you think your child may have a hearing problem. Most children with hearing problems live healthy, communicative lives if they receive the right medical attention and an early diagnosis. Visit one of the best paediatricians in Siliguri for all-inclusive health advice for your kid.
