Hearing loss in children

Overview

Hearing loss in children means that a child cannot hear sounds as well as other children their age. It can affect one or both ears and can range from mild (difficulty hearing soft sounds) to profound (not hearing any sound at all).

Hearing loss is one of the most common birth conditions. About 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 babies are born with some degree of hearing loss. It becomes more common as children get older, especially due to conditions like glue ear (middle ear fluid).

Hearing loss can affect any child, regardless of background. Some children are born with it (congenital hearing loss), while others develop it later due to infections, injuries, or other health conditions. It is slightly more common in children with a family history of hearing loss or certain syndromes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Not responding to sounds or their name
• Delayed speech and language skills
• Asking for things to be repeated often
• Turning up the volume on devices very high
• Difficulty following conversations in noisy places

Symptoms in children

• Not startling at loud noises as a baby
• Not turning toward sounds by 6 months of age
• Not babbling or making sounds by 12 months
• Poor attention or seeming 'distracted'

Symptoms in older adults

• This topic is about children; for older adults, hearing loss often comes with aging, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds.

Causes

Main causes

• Congenital causes (present at birth): genetic conditions, infections during pregnancy (like rubella or cytomegalovirus), or problems with ear development
• Acquired causes: ear infections (glue ear), meningitis, measles, mumps, or head injuries
• Exposure to loud noises over time
• Certain medications (ototoxic drugs) that can damage the inner ear

Risk factors

• Family history of childhood hearing loss
• Premature birth or low birth weight
• Infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, herpes, syphilis)
• Frequent ear infections
• Brain infections like meningitis or encephalitis

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child suddenly cannot hear (over hours or a day)
• If hearing loss follows a head injury or ear injury
• If your child has severe ear pain, high fever, or pus draining from the ear

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you notice your child is not responding to sounds as expected
• If your child's speech and language seem behind for their age
• If your child has repeated ear infections
• If your child complains of muffled hearing or ear discomfort

Diagnosis

A health visitor, GP, or audiologist (hearing specialist) will ask about your child’s hearing, speech, and listening behaviours. They may do simple tests like making sounds to see if your child responds. For more detail, they will refer your child to an audiology department.

Tests that may be done

• Newborn hearing screening: done shortly after birth using soft earphones and sensors to check the inner ear’s response to sound
• Behavioural tests: for older babies and children, where they are trained to turn toward a sound or play a game with sounds
• Tympanometry: a test to see how well the eardrum moves, which can detect fluid in the middle ear
• Pure tone audiometry: for older children, they wear headphones and raise their hand when they hear a beep

What to expect at your appointment

Most hearing tests are painless and done in a calm, child-friendly room. The specialist will explain each step. You and your child will be guided through the process, and you will get results and recommendations on the same day or at a follow-up appointment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of hearing loss. The main goal is to help your child hear as well as possible so they can develop speech, language, and social skills. Early intervention is key.

Self-care at home

• Protect your child’s ears from very loud noises (like fireworks or power tools) with earplugs or earmuffs
• Keep your child up to date with vaccinations to prevent infections that can cause hearing loss
• If your child has glue ear, encourage them to blow their nose gently, and avoid smoking around them

Medical treatments

Medical treatments may include antibiotics for ear infections, or a minor procedure to place tiny tubes (grommets) in the eardrum to drain fluid. For permanent hearing loss, hearing aids or other assistive devices are often recommended. In severe cases, a cochlear implant (a device that sends sound signals directly to the hearing nerve) may be considered. A specialist team will discuss all options with you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed for some structural problems in the ear, for severe glue ear that doesn’t improve, 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

Help your child by facing them when you speak, reducing background noise, and using clear, simple language. Encourage them to tell you if they haven’t heard something. With proper support, children with hearing loss can do well in school, make friends, and lead full lives.

Lifestyle tips

• Use visual cues: gestures, facial expressions, pictures
• Learn about communication options like sign language or lip reading
• Check hearing aids regularly (batteries, fit, sound quality)
• Talk to teachers about your child’s needs at school

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet and regular exercise are important for all children. Some ear infections are linked to allergies or poor nutrition, but there is no specific diet to prevent or cure hearing loss. Always follow your doctor’s advice.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hearing loss can sometimes make children feel isolated or frustrated because they can’t follow conversations easily. It can affect their mood and confidence. It is important to talk openly, seek support, and involve your child in decisions about their care. If you notice signs of sadness or worry, speak to your doctor or a school counsellor.

Prevention

Not all hearing loss can be prevented, but many cases can be avoided or reduced. Vaccinations, good prenatal care, avoiding loud noises, and treating ear infections quickly all help.

Vaccines

Vaccines against rubella (MMR), meningitis, measles, mumps, and flu can prevent infections that may cause hearing loss. Make sure your child gets all their routine immunisations.

Screening programmes

Newborn hearing screening is offered to all babies in many countries, including the UK. This can identify hearing loss early, allowing for prompt support. If you have concerns about your child’s hearing at any age, ask your doctor for a test.

Complications

If left untreated

• Delayed speech and language development
• Difficulty learning and poor school performance
• Social isolation, low self-esteem, and behaviour problems
• Increased risk of accidental injury (not hearing warnings or traffic sounds)

Long-term outlook

The outlook for children with hearing loss is very good, especially when it is found early. With the right support – hearing aids, therapy, and love – most children go on to develop communication skills and thrive. Many children with hearing loss are in mainstream schools, have friends, and succeed in all areas of life. Modern technology and early intervention make a huge difference.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Deafness and hearing loss
• International Federation of Hard of Hearing People (IFHOH)

Local organisations

• NHS – Children's hearing loss · United Kingdom
• National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) · United Kingdom

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.