Your Child Can Connect to a World of Sounds with Hearing Loss Treatment
As a parent, you always want the best for your child. If you think they might be experiencing pediatric hearing loss, you may be worried about them missing out on experiences. At ENT for Children, we can provide your child with treatment to ensure they’re able to fully connect with the world around them.
Audiologists work with patients of all ages, treating infants, children and adults for a variety of hearing problems—they provide services that include:
- Fitting and dispensing hearing aids
- Administering hearing and balance tests
- Assessing candidacy for and programming implantable hearing devices (e.g., cochlear implants, bone-anchored hearing aids, etc.)
- Counseling children and their families on communication strategies
- Designing and implementing hearing conservation programs and newborn hearing screenings
- Providing aural rehabilitation programs
- Performing ear-related surgical monitoring
What Causes Pediatric Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can occur in children for a variety of reasons. Some may have the condition because of premature birth, genetic concerns or prenatal issues. Additionally, ear infections are a common childhood ailment that can lead to permanent damage in severe instances. Other causes of pediatric hearing loss include physical trauma, exposure to loud noises and certain medications.
How Common Is Pediatric Hearing Loss?
According to the CDC’s National Health Interview Survey, 5 per 1,000 children ages 3-17 screened between 1997 and 2005 had hearing loss. Additionally, the 2019 Hearing Screening and Follow-up Survey found that 1.7 per 1,000 babies screened had hearing loss.
Does My Child Have Hearing Loss?
Symptoms of pediatric hearing loss include:
- A delay in speech and language
- Failure to respond to loud noises or your voice
- Poor academic performance
- Frequent ear infections
- Disorders associated with hearing loss, such as Down syndrome or autism
- Family history of hearing loss
How Is Hearing Loss Treated?
1. Setup an Appointment
We can help you schedule an appointment with the right specialist for your child’s needs. Hearing loss is common, and an in-person visit is the first step towards treatment. Family members or friends are always welcome.
2. See an Audiologist for a Hearing Evaluation
An audiologist will test your child’s hearing to determine the cause and severity of hearing loss. They will answer all of your questions and work with your family to find the right treatment solution for your child’s needs.
3. Have Your Hearing Aid Fitted
After helping you choose the treatment plan that is right for your child, we’ll guide you through the hearing aid fitting process. Our audiology team will provide ongoing support every step of the way.
4. Follow-Up Consultation
A follow-up visit is typically scheduled one month after your child’s initial fitting. Your audiologist will work with you to make further adjustments, answer any additional questions and provide ongoing support.
What Are the Next Steps?
It can be stressful to realize that your child has a hearing impairment, but it’s important to realize that your family isn’t in this alone. At ENT for Children, we’ll ensure that you and your child understand the condition and how the treatment for it works. Support is just a phone call away.
Call ENT for Children for more information or to schedule an appointment.
