Did you know that hearing loss affects two in every 100 children under the age of 18? With an early diagnosis and modern technology, audiologists can treat most hearing losses effectively. To maximize a child’s hearing, the child must get an early diagnosis of hearing loss, an early fitting of hearing aids, and an early start on special education programs. Your child needs these events to occur in a timely manner in order to have the best chances for successful speech and language development.

The cause of hearing loss in children can be congenital (present at birth), acquired (occurring any time after birth), or transient (middle ear infections or trauma).

Frequent or untreated middle ear infections (otitis media) cause transient hearing loss. Transient (temporary) hearing loss in children is also detrimental to speech and language development. By the age of three, at least 75 percent of children have had at least one ear infection. Middle ear infections are very common in early childhood because of the ‘almost horizontal’ position of the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube equalizes air pressure between the middle ear and the nasopharynx (the nasal cavity that opens at the back of the throat). Because of its small size and horizontal position during childhood development, it is very susceptible to blockage by fluids or large adenoids.

Transient hearing loss sometimes resolves itself. Many children with transient hearing loss can have their hearing restored through medical treatment or minor surgery. However, frequent or untreated middle ear infections, untreated earwax buildup, lesions, or diseases of the eardrum (auditory nerve) can cause extensive damage over time to the delicate bones of the middle ear, creating permanent hearing loss.

Hospitals perform hearing screenings and tests on infants shortly after delivery, which will assure a call for early intervention in the event a baby exhibits any signs of hearing loss. Even if an infant presents no signs of hearing loss, a few months later, parents may sense their child has a hearing problem.

The most critical period for speech and language development is birth – 4 years, so it is important to recognize signs of hearing loss as early as possible. As parents, you may suddenly realize something isn’t quite right with your child’s speech and language. If you ever question anything about your child’s language development, get the child’s hearing tested as soon as you can. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Remember, <>an acquired hearing loss can occur at any time.

The checklist of signs below will not confirm that your child has a hearing problem, but any sign could be a strong indicator of one. If you answer “yes” to any of the questions below, or if you suspect your child may have difficulty hearing, contact your pediatrician or family doctor. Let them guide you in scheduling an evaluation with an experienced audiologist.

Audiologists offer a broad range of testing and evaluation for infants, children, and adolescents in order to assess whether the ear is conducting sounds efficiently. They can assess any damage to the inner ear or nerve pathways, as well as perform tests to see if the brain is processing what your child is hearing.

After testing, the audiologist will discuss your child’s diagnosis with you, along with recommendations for treatment. If your child has a hearing loss, the audiologist may refer you to an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist (Otolaryngologist). Depending on the nature of the disorder, a hearing aid or other amplification device may be necessary. The audiologist will guide you and your child through every step of the selection, fitting, use, and care of the device. For a child diagnosed with severe hearing loss, parents should ask for or expect referrals to other resources, including regional centers specializing in education and speech pathology as well as habilitation/rehabilitation.