Can you imagine a silent world completely devoid of sounds?
One where you can’t listen to music or hear the voice of your loved ones calling your name.
Unfortunately, for a small group of people, this is the reality.
Our five senses give us a glimpse into our surroundings, and allows us to experience life at full volume.
But deprive someone of even one of those and it’s like losing a limb.
For children, this means they are more likely to have hurdles in their education, and in their personal relationships.
This makes it hard for them to learn new things or play with friends.
In Malaysia, the majority of hearing loss in children varies by age group: 3.5% of teens aged 13-17 years old, 6.6% of kids aged 7-12 years old and 6.6% of toddlers and younger children aged 3-6 years old.
But with early medical intervention, a child suffering from hearing loss can learn to live normally just like everyone else.
We chatted with Dr Juani Hayyan Abdul Karaf, Consultant Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) and Head and Neck Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, to gain some insights on how to spot the signs of hearing loss in children. And what steps parents can take.
Q1: What are some of the early signs and symptoms of hearing problems in children?
A child with hearing loss may not be able to hear and recognise sounds, which can delay their speech and language development. Early signs and symptoms include:
Difficulty understanding speech
- A child with hearing loss may have difficulty understanding what is being said, especially in noisy environments.
Frequent ear infections
- Frequent ear infections can lead to temporary hearing loss in children.
Lack of response to sounds
- A child with hearing loss may not respond to sounds such as their name being called or a doorbell ringing.
Inappropriate or delayed reactions to noises
- A child with hearing loss may not react appropriately to loud noises or may react later than expected.
Increased volume on electronic devices
- If a child with hearing loss turns up the volume on electronic devices, such as the TV or radio, it may be a sign of hearing loss.
Q2: What are some of the risk factors that can contribute to paediatric hearing problems?
Genetics
- Children may inherit hearing loss from parents who have a genetic predisposition to the condition.
Infections during pregnancy
- Infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes can increase the risk of hearing loss in the baby.
Premature birth
- Premature babies are at a higher risk of developing hearing loss due to their immature auditory systems and exposure to loud noises in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Low birth weight
- Low birth weight babies are more likely to develop hearing loss than babies with a normal birth weight.
Jaundice
- High levels of bilirubin in the blood, which can cause jaundice, can lead to hearing loss in newborns.
Ototoxic medications
- Certain medications, such as some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can damage the inner ear and cause hearing loss.
Trauma
- Head trauma or injury can damage the auditory system and lead to hearing loss.
Chronic ear infections
- Repeated ear infections can cause damage to the structures of the ear and lead to hearing loss.
Earwax buildup
- Excessive earwax can block the ear canal and prevent sound from reaching the inner ear.
Structural abnormalities
- Structural abnormalities of the outer or middle ear, such as a narrow ear canal or malformed eardrum, can interfere with sound transmission.
Foreign objects in the ear
- Children may insert small objects into their ears, which can block the ear canal and cause conductive hearing loss.
Q3: What are the available treatments for paediatric hearing loss?
Hearing aids
- Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify sound. Their purpose is to treat mild to severe hearing loss. They are available in a range of styles and are customisable to fit the child’s individual needs.
Cochlear implants
- Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices that bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. They can be used to treat severe to profound hearing loss.
Bone-anchored hearing aids
- Bone-anchored hearing aids are surgically implanted devices that transmit sound vibrations directly to the inner ear through the bones of the skull. They can be used to treat conductive hearing loss or single-sided deafness.
Speech and language therapy
- Children with hearing loss may benefit from speech and language therapy to improve their communication skills.
Medical treatment
- If the hearing loss is the result of an underlying medical condition, such as ear infections, the doctor may prescribe medication or recommend surgery to treat the condition and improve hearing.
Q4: What are some of the emotional and social impacts that hearing problems can have on a child?
Children with hearing problems may have difficulty understanding speech, which can make it hard for them to communicate effectively with others.
The result is frustration, anxiety, and social isolation.
Children with hearing problems may have delayed language development. This may end up affecting their ability to interact with others and form relationships.
Academic struggles are also another issue. Children with hearing problems may have difficulty in school, especially in subjects that require listening and communication skills.
This can lead to lower academic achievement and a sense of frustration or inadequacy.
Children with hearing problems may feel different from their peers and struggle with feelings of low self-esteem. This can affect their social interactions and relationships.
Children with hearing problems may exhibit behavioural issues. This can include aggression, inattention, or hyperactivity, which can be related to frustration or difficulty communicating.
Hearing problems may also cause children to feel isolated from their peers. They may avoid social situations as a result. This can lead to loneliness and depression.
Q5: What resources are available to parents and families with children who have hearing problems?
Early intervention programs
- Early intervention programs provide services to children with hearing problems from birth to three years old. These programs offer a range of services, including hearing testing, speech and language therapy, and family support.
Audiologists
- Audiologists are healthcare professionals who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing problems. They can provide and fit hearing tests, fit hearing aids or cochlear implants. They may also offer counselling and support to families.
Speech and language therapists
- Speech and language therapists can work with children to improve their communication skills. This includes speech and language development, listening skills, and social communication.
Support groups
- Support groups for families of children with hearing problems can provide emotional support, information, and resources. Parents can find these groups through local hospitals, clinics, or organisations.
Educational resources
- Educational resources such as books, videos, and websites. These can provide information and support to families of children with hearing problems.
Financial assistance
- Financial assistance may be available to help families with the cost of hearing aids or other hearing-related expenses. This assistance may be provided through government programs, or nonprofit organisations.
To learn more about paediatric hearing loss, read part 2 of our Chats with Experts piece as we chat with audiologist from Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, Sharifah Nurul Natasha here.
Source: Dr Juani Hayyan Abdul Karaf, Consultant Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) and Head and Neck Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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