Early detection of hearing loss in children is essential to ensure proper development in language, communication, and learning. However, identifying the signs can be challenging, especially in babies and young children.
Understanding the causes, types, and associated symptoms is essential for timely intervention and to provide the necessary support.
Hearing loss in children
Hearing loss in childhood can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developed after birth). Causes include genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, complications at birth, middle ear infections, exposure to loud noises, and certain ototoxic medications.
There are different types of hearing loss:
- Conductive: occurs when there is a problem in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from being transmitted properly.
- Sensorineural: results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve.
- Mixed: a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
The severity can range from mild to profound, and its impact on the child’s development will depend on the intensity and the moment it is detected and treated.
Signs and symptoms for detecting hearing loss in children
The signs and symptoms appear differently depending on the age at which the hearing loss is shown.
In babies (0-12 months)
Detecting hearing loss in the first months of life is crucial. Some warning signs include:
- Newborns: do not startle at loud, sudden noises
- At 3 months: do not recognize their parents’ voices or show changes in sucking in response to sounds
- At 6 months: do not turn their head toward new sounds or make sounds like “ooh” and “aah”
- At 12 months: do not babble, do not respond to their name, or imitate simple words like “mama” or “dada”
These indicators may suggest hearing loss and should be evaluated by a specialist.
In toddlers and preschoolers
As children grow, other signs may indicate hearing problems:
- Speech delays: limited speech, unclear speech, or absence of speech
- Lack of response: do not respond when called or seem not to pay attention
- Difficulty following instructions: especially in noisy environments
- Frustration or irritability: easily frustrated when there is a lot of background noise
- High volume: need to turn up the volume on the TV or other devices
- Learning problems: difficulties in school performance, especially in reading and comprehension
In school-age children
At this stage, hearing loss may manifest in the following ways:
- Difficulty following instructions: do not understand commands in class
- Articulation errors: omit or substitute phonemes, or even confuse similar words
- Social isolation: withdraw from their peers and do not participate in group activities
- Behavioral problems: restlessness in the classroom, which may be mistaken for attention disorders
It is essential that parents and teachers be alert to these signs and consult a hearing specialist if they have any concerns about the child’s auditory development. Furthermore, it is important to consider whether the child needs a hearing aid, so making an appointment for a check-up will be the best course of action.
We help with children’s hearing loss
At Audífonos Domínguez, we understand the importance of early detection and proper treatment of hearing loss in children. As a hearing center in Málaga, we offer specialized services to evaluate and treat hearing problems in childhood.
Our team of professionals conducts comprehensive hearing evaluations and provides personalized solutions tailored to each child’s needs, using cutting-edge technology to ensure the best outcomes and support the linguistic and social development of the little ones.
If you suspect that your child may have hearing loss, do not hesitate to contact us. At Audífonos Domínguez, we are committed to children’s hearing health and to providing the necessary support for their overall well-being and development.
