Hearing Impairment Among Kids

🔍 Signs & Symptoms (Sx)Early signs of hearing issues can sometimes be subtle. Here’s what to look out for:

In Babies (0–12 months):

• No reaction to loud sounds
• Doesn't turn toward sounds or voices by 6 months
• Delayed babbling or cooing
• Doesn't respond to their name

In Toddlers & Children:

• Delayed or unclear speech
• Often says "huh?" or asks for repetition
• Watches others for cues (lip-reading)
• Turns up volume very high
• Struggles in group conversations or noisy places
• Appears inattentive or easily frustrated

📈 Possible Causes (Fx – Factors)Hearing impairment in children may be due to various factors:

• Genetic conditions (e.g., GJB2 mutation)
• Infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, cytomegalovirus)
• Premature birth or low birth weight
• Recurrent ear infections
• Ototoxic medications (certain antibiotics)
• Injury or head trauma
• Syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome, Usher syndrome)

🩺 Diagnosis & Tests (Ix)If hearing loss is suspected, these assessments help confirm and understand the condition:

• Newborn hearing screening (OAE, ABR)
• Audiometry for older children (tests response to sounds)
• Tympanometry to check middle ear function
• Imaging (CT or MRI if structural issues are suspected)
• Genetic testing (for congenital or unexplained cases)
• Lab tests (if infections or syndromes are involved)

💡 Treatment & Management (Tx)Treatment depends on the type and severity of hearing loss. Options may include:

• Hearing aids – amplify sound for children with mild to moderate loss
• Cochlear implants – for severe or profound hearing loss
• Speech and language therapy – supports communication skills
• Sign language – an alternative or supplement to verbal language
• Educational support – special accommodations in school
• Surgical treatments – e.g., for fluid in the ear or structural repair

👪 How Parents and Caregivers Can Help