Conductive Hearing Loss
The most common hearing problem in children is a middle ear infection. When a child has a middle ear infection, fluid builds up in the middle ear space where the three hearing bones are located (called ossicles.) The fluid prevents the bones and the eardrum from moving and therefore creates a hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is called CONDUCTIVE hearing loss. Sometimes this type of problem can go unnoticed as middle ear fluid may not be painful and a child may just seem like he or she is not paying attention. Left untreated, a middle ear infection can result in a hole (perforation) in the eardrum. Persistent conductive hearing loss in young children can also cause delayed speech and language because they cannot accurately hear speech sounds around them. A middle ear infection is treated with a variety of interventions from medication to surgery depending on how often and how severe the infections are.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
On occasion, a child is identified with SENSORINEURAL hearing loss. This is a loss of function of the nerves in the hearing organ (cochlea). This is a permanent hearing loss and can get worse over time. Parents often ask what caused their child’s sensorineural hearing loss and unfortunately, we aren’t always able to tell. If a child is identified with this type of hearing loss we often do a series of tests looking at other systems in the body to make sure the child’s overall health is intact. We also do repeated hearing tests to see if the hearing is changing. We fit children school age and older with hearing aids. We also recommend other professionals who can help families with children whose hearing is too poor for hearing aids, or who are too young for our services. There are early intervention agencies in Connecticut and New York to help families with our youngest hearing loss patients.
Diagnosis of Hearing Loss in Children
The most important factor in identifying a hearing problem in a child is TIME. Advanced Specialty Care’s Ear, Nose and Throat physicians see a variety of pediatric patients with hearing problems. We encourage parents with any concern about their child’s hearing to seek an evaluation with our Ear Nose and Throat physician and doctor of audiology. Our physicians and audiologists have the knowledge and experience to give you the best advice on your child’s hearing. Advanced Specialty Care’s Audiology and Hearing Aid Services are located in Danbury, New Milford, Ridgefield, and Norwalk.