Diagnosing hearing problems in young children as early as possible is the key to treating them successfully. However, it's not always easy to identify hearing problems in infants, as young children have no effective way of communicating. There are five relatively common causes of hearing difficulty in children, and early diagnosis through infanthearing tests usually means the long-term effects can be managed more effectively.
1. Genetic hearing problems
Hearing loss caused by genetic
problems is often part of a wider 'syndrome', and in many cases, there are no
known cures. For instance, Waardenburg syndrome involves very particular facial
features such as a wider than normal space between the eyes and a widened nose
bride. Unfortunately, hearing loss is also associated with Waardenburg
syndrome. These symptoms are present from birth, and hearing loss can be
anything from mild to non-progressive. Other genetic causes of hearing problems
include crouzon syndrome and the mutation of the connexin 26 gene. In some
cases, hearing can be improved with a hearing aid or surgery.
2. Conductive hearing problems
A conductive hearing problem is
related to a blockage in the canal that passes from the outer ear to the inner
ear. This relatively common cause of childhood hearing loss is usually
temporary. Once the cause of the blockage has been removed, hearing usually
returns to normal.
Among the root causes of this
particular issue include ear infections, common colds and a build-up of wax in
the middle ear. However, there are also congenital conductive issues that can
be the cause of childhood hearing loss. For instance, anatomical abnormalities
can block the ear canal; they include congenitally fixed stapes, stenosis and
microtia. These defects all have the potential to be fixed with surgical
procedures, but fast action by a paediatric audiologist is usually
essential.
3. Enlarged vestibular aqueducts
The vestibular aqueducts are the
passages that connect the cranium with the inner ear. Babies are born with
relatively wide and straight vestibular aqueducts, but they grow narrower with
age, and they usually take on a 'J' shape. In a rare number of cases, however,
the passage remains wide, which can lead to degenerative hearing loss. A CT
scan may be ordered to identify any structural problems, and the child may be
advised to avoid contact sports, as impacts to the head have the potential to
make the condition worse.
4. Hearing problems related to childbirth complications
There are several complications
during childbirth that have the potential to cause hearing problems in
children. For instance, if a mother contracts syphilis, German measles or
diabetes during pregnancy, the risk of their child being born with a hearing
defect rises significantly. Babies born with an undeveloped hearing system may have
profound hearing problems from birth. And premature babies who need feeding
through nasal tubes are at an increased risk of infection, which can also lead
to loss of hearing. The impact of these occurrences can vary, so thorough hearing tests conducted by paediatric
audiologists are required in order to develop a treatment plan as quickly as
possible.
5. Acquired hearing problems
There are various diseases and
infections that have the potential to cause hearing loss in children. For
instance, severe bouts of measles and chicken pox can cause permanent hearing
problems unless treatment is administered quickly. Other causes include
encephalitis, severe head trauma and a relatively common infection called
otitis media - an inflammation of the ear that can lead to an accumulation of
fluid.
What a useful guest post from the Portland Hospital, thanks so much.
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