Hearing loss living in children

Overview

Hearing loss in children means that a child has trouble hearing sounds. It can range from mild (missing soft sounds) to profound (not hearing any sound at all). Hearing loss can be present at birth or develop later in childhood.

Yes, hearing loss is one of the most common birth conditions. About 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 newborns have some degree of hearing loss.

Hearing loss can affect children of any age, from newborns to teenagers. It can occur in one ear or both ears.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Not reacting to loud noises
• Not turning toward sounds
• Delayed speech or unclear speech
• Frequently asking for repeats
• Turning up the TV volume very high

Symptoms in children

• Baby does not startle at loud sounds by 1 month
• Infant does not babble or make noises by 6–12 months
• Toddler does not say single words by 12–18 months
• Child seems to ignore you or has trouble following directions
• Child often misunderstands what is said in noisy places

Symptoms in older adults

• Hearing loss in older adults is usually gradual and related to aging, not typically a concern in children.

Causes

Main causes

• Genetic factors (inherited from parents)
• Infections during pregnancy (like rubella or cytomegalovirus)
• Complications at birth (such as low oxygen or premature birth)
• Childhood infections (like meningitis or measles)
• Long-term exposure to loud noise (from toys, concerts, or machinery)
• Ear infections that cause persistent fluid in the middle ear

Risk factors

• Family history of hearing loss
• Maternal infection during pregnancy
• Low birth weight or premature delivery
• Repeated ear infections
• Use of certain medications that can damage hearing (ototoxic drugs)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden hearing loss without explanation
• Hearing loss after a head injury
• Severe ear pain or discharge

Book a routine appointment if:

• Concerns about your child's hearing or speech development at any age
• Newborn hearing screening not passed or missed
• Regular check-ups to monitor hearing if your child is at risk

Diagnosis

Hearing loss is diagnosed through hearing tests (audiometry). For infants, special tests can measure how the ear responds to sound. For older children, they may be asked to listen and respond to tones or words.

Tests that may be done

• Newborn hearing screening (usually done before leaving the hospital)
• Behavioral audiometry (child responds to sounds)
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) – a test that checks how the inner ear responds to sounds
• Auditory brainstem response (ABR) – a test that measures hearing nerve activity

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor or audiologist will explain each step to you and your child. The tests are painless and often take about 30–60 minutes. You may be asked to bring your child when they are calm or asleep for accurate results.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and severity of hearing loss. The goal is to help your child hear and communicate as well as possible. Options may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, speech therapy, or learning sign language.

Self-care at home

• Keep your child safe from loud noises (use ear protection at concerts or around machinery)
• Clean ears gently with a cloth – never insert objects into the ear canal
• Follow up regularly with your audiologist to adjust hearing aids or implants

Medical treatments

Medical treatments may include hearing aids (devices worn in or behind the ear that make sounds louder), cochlear implants (a surgically placed device that helps the ear sense sound), or medicines to treat infections that cause hearing loss. Always discuss options with your healthcare provider – do not use any treatments without professional advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be considered for certain types of hearing loss, such as when the middle ear bones are not working properly (for example, due to otosclerosis) or for placing a cochlear implant. Your child’s doctor will explain if surgery is an option and what it involves.

Living with this condition

Living with hearing loss means finding ways to communicate effectively. This might include facing your child when speaking, using hearing aids consistently, and reducing background noise at home. Many children use a combination of spoken language, lip reading, and sign language.

Lifestyle tips

• Encourage your child to participate in sports, clubs, and social activities – hearing loss should not hold them back
• Teach friends and teachers about your child’s hearing loss and how to help
• Use captions on TV and videos to reinforce listening and reading

Diet and exercise

A healthy balanced diet and regular exercise are important for all children. There is no special diet for hearing loss, but a healthy lifestyle supports overall well-being.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hearing loss can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, or low confidence in children. It is important to talk openly about feelings and seek support if needed. If your child seems withdrawn or anxious, reach out to a school counselor or mental health professional. In a crisis, call your local emergency number or a crisis support line.

Prevention

Not all hearing loss can be prevented, especially if it is genetic or due to birth complications. However, you can reduce the risk of acquired hearing loss by protecting your child from loud noises and ensuring they receive recommended vaccines against infections like meningitis and measles.

Vaccines

Vaccines (such as the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella) can prevent infections that may cause hearing loss. Talk to your child’s doctor about staying up to date with immunizations.

Screening programmes

Newborn hearing screening is offered in many hospitals. It is a quick, painless test that can detect hearing loss early. If your child did not have this screening, ask your doctor about it.

Complications

If left untreated

• Delays in speech and language development
• Difficulty learning in school
• Social isolation or behavioral problems
• Increased risk of accidents if unable to hear warnings (like smoke alarms)

Long-term outlook

With early detection and the right support, most children with hearing loss can develop strong communication skills and thrive academically and socially. Each child’s journey is different, but there is much hope and help available.

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