In a young child, congenital
hearing problems or hearing loss may not always be immediately evident, but
parents become concerned when they realize that their young child does not hear
them or anything else.
"Are you listening to
me?" the parents may ask their child.
Sometimes, they try speaking
louder to the child or yelling at him or her, when it seems that the child does
not hear what they are saying. Parents often use various kinds of sounds like
clapping, singing or ringing a bell behind the child, to see if he or she can
hear.
Parents may suspect that their
child has a hearing problem, when he or she does not respond immediately to
sounds or loud noises. Note that unusual noises or loud sounds will normally
startle or frighten a young child and may cause him or her to cry.
"Does this child have a
hearing problem?" grandparents, baby sitters or others might begin to
wonder, when they realize that a young child is not responding appropriately to
sounds or loud noises.
Parents or guardians should
have their child's ears and hearing checked by a family doctor, as soon as it
becomes apparent that there may be a hearing problem. If necessary, the family
doctor may recommend a referral to a pediatrician, hearing specialist
(audiologist) or a surgeon.
Be aware that sometimes, a
child may be born with a congenital hearing defect. Hearing loss can also occur
at a young age. Sometimes, this will correct itself. Medical or surgical
treatment may be required, at other times.
Assessing the hearing of a
young child appears difficult, but it is possible to do so.
Parents can do their part by
keeping a record of what their child appears to hear and does not seem to hear,
if they suspect that their child has a hearing problem. Over time, it may
become increasingly apparent that the child cannot hear anything. This can be a
frightening experience for parents who love their child and want to protect him
or her.
Remember that child safety
often involves hearing properly.
According to the Canadian Academy
Assessing, testing and treating
young children with hearing problems is important, as being able to hear
properly can and will affect their lives, as well as their development.
The Canadian Academy
Autoacoustic emissions (OAE): A
small probe placed in the outer ear, emits a measurable clicking sound, as it
comes from the inner ear stimulated by the sound. (Very young or an ill child)
Auditory brainstem response
(ABR): Electrodes placed on the child's head, measure the electrical activity
of a clicking sound emitted through earphones. (Young or newborn child)
Behavioral audiometry: The test
procedures used for behavioral audiometry depend on the age, physical abilities
and developmental levels of the child. (Majority of children)
Behavioral observation
audiometry (BOA): Sounds of varying pitch and loudness in a sound-treated room,
trigger behavioral changes or responses, like eye widening, startle reflexes or
localization to the source. (Very young, <6 months or child with limited
physical movement)
Visual reinforcement audiometry
(VRA)/Conditioned Orientation Response (COR): Sounds of varying pitch and
loudness elicit localization to sound source with reinforcement via a visual
distractor. (Age 6-30 months)
Play audiometry: Using
earphones or speakers, the use of pitch and loudness, enables a child to play a
listening-activity related game. (Child age 2 - 4 years of age) A child can
usually raise a hand or press a button, to respond appropriately to sound,
after that age.
Immittance testing: A probe in
the ear, with slight pressure applied, enables monitoring changes in the
movement of the eardrum. (2)
How is a hearing loss in young
children treated?
Treatment for a hearing loss in
young children depends upon the source of the problem. This can include an
infection, a punctured eardrum, a deformity of middle ear bones, wax, foreign
bodies in the ear canal or disorders of the inner ear or auditory nerve. (3)
A persistent middle ear
infection that does not clear up on its own can be treated with antibiotics or
the child can have "pressure-equalization tubes placed through the eardrum
to allow fluid to drain from the middle ear space." (4)
Surgical correction may be
necessary for a punctured eardrum or congenital "birth deformity of the
middle ear bones". (5)
When there is wax plug, a doctor may be able to flush a
young child's ear with warm water in order to remove it. Sometimes a child
needs to have a foreign object, like a bean seed, removed by the family doctor.
(6)
"Disorders affecting the inner ear or auditory nerve cannot be corrected medically or surgically. When a child is diagnosed with a sensorineural hearing loss, he or she will require hearing aid amplification and a referral for a complete speech-language evaluation. Other listening devices will be recommended as necessary on an individual basis." (7)
Hearing is very important in
young children and thus, the early assessment and treatment of congenital
hearing problems or hearing loss will enable them to live normal, happy and
healthy lives. Have your child tested immediately, if you suspect your child
has hearing problems. You will be glad that you did, especially when you see
how wonderful it is to have your child respond to you properly!
2. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid.
7. Ibid.
No comments:
Post a Comment