Hearing Loss in Children

Understanding Pediatric Hearing Loss

Hearing loss in children may be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired). Congenital hearing loss may be inherited or result from infections during pregnancy, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella. Babies who spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have a higher risk. Sometimes, hearing loss is part of a broader medical condition or syndrome. In some cases, genetic testing may be recommended to identify the cause.

Acquired hearing loss can result from:

Recurrent ear infections
Meningitis or other serious infections
Head trauma
Exposure to certain medications that affect hearing

Types of Hearing Loss

The type of hearing loss helps guide treatment:

Sensorineural Hearing Loss
A permanent condition caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the hearing nerve. This type is often managed with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Occurs when sound is blocked from reaching the inner ear due to earwax, fluid buildup, infection, or a hole in the eardrum. In many cases, it can be treated with medicine or minor surgery.

Hearing loss is also classified by severity:
Mild, Moderate, Severe, or Profound.

Signs and Symptoms

Watch for these signs in infants and children:

Not reacting to sounds or name being called
Delays in speech and language development
Difficulty following directions
Turning up the TV volume too high
Unclear or slurred speech
Academic struggles or inattentiveness

What to Do if You Suspect Hearing Loss

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Schedule a hearing evaluation with a pediatric ENT specialist and audiologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in your child’s development.

How We Diagnose Hearing Loss

No child is too young for a hearing test. Our ENT clinic uses the latest tools to diagnose hearing problems at any age:

Newborn Hearing Screening
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)
Tympanometry to check middle ear function

In some cases, we may also recommend imaging (CT or MRI) or genetic testing.

Treatment Options

We provide personalized treatment plans based on the type and severity of hearing loss:

Hearing Aids – Modern, child-friendly digital devices
Medication – To treat infections or reduce fluid in the ear
Surgical Options – Including grommet (ear tube) insertion and eardrum repair
Cochlear Implants – For children with profound sensorineural loss
Speech and Language Therapy – For communication development and support

Why Early Treatment Matters

Newborns should be screened shortly after birth. Intervention before 6 months of age leads to better speech, language, and learning outcomes. Even if your child is diagnosed later, early management still makes a major difference.

Supporting Your Child’s Growth

Children with hearing loss can thrive. With proper care, they can succeed in school, engage in sports, enjoy music, and build strong friendships. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.