Hearing problems that occur in young children and babies

Children can develop hearing difficulties gradually and you may not spot them straight away. Useful pointers that your child's hearing is not as good as it should be include the following:

Your child regularly turns up the television or stereo volume.
Your child often insists upon repeat that which you just said.
Your child's hearing causes other people to comment that it might be impaired - remember that you may be accustomed to his poor hearing.

Other possible causes of hearing problems in children are:

Glue ear

The word glue ear describes the build-up of what seems to be sticky fluid behind the eardrum - usually due to problems with ear ventilation because of a poorly functioning eustachian tube. Therefore if hearing problems persists, visit your doctor for diagnosis and further assessment. To enhance drainage from the affected ear, doctors sometimes recommend a simple operation in which a little cut is made in the eardrum and a tiny plastic tube known as a grommet is inserted, which then falls out naturally after a few months, allowing the eardrum to heal again.

Infections

In rare cases, childhood infectious diseases such as mumps, measles or meningitis can cause hearing problems.

Loud music

Many children have personal music players and pay attention to music through headphones. Listening at medium volumes usually poses no risk to your child's hearing, but permanent hearing damage can occur if your child regularly listens to loud music. Like a rough guide, your child needs to ignore the amount when you can hear the music in the room through your child's headphones.

Pregnancy-related or inborn hearing defects

Kids of women who contract rubella during pregnancy can develop deafness. Other congenital hearing defects might run in families but they are rare. Consult your health visitor or doctor if you're concerned that your child may be affected.

If your child has hearing problems, his speech development may become affected, and so seeking medical health advice is essential if you are concerned about your child's hearing.

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