It is important to recognize the various symptoms of hearing loss in children. If not checked and treated immediately, hearing loss can interfere with language acquisition, speech skills, and even social interactions in children.
There are various causes of hearing loss in children, including heredity, genetic disorders, premature birth, exposure to noise, head injuries, meningitis, and otitis media.
In addition, hearing loss in children can also be caused by health problems suffered by the mother during pregnancy, such as: rubella, diabetes, or preeclampsia.
Various Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Children
Some of the symptoms that can indicate hearing loss in children are:
- Not responding when called
- Having a speech delay
- Having difficulty learning, because they cannot hear the material given by the teacher
- Muttering or speaking in a loud voice
- Difficult to pronounce a word correctly
- Often hear a buzzing sound
- Difficult to follow directions
- Watching television at a loud volume
- Often daydream
- Often asks other people to repeat what they say
How to Overcome Hearing Loss in Children
In children who have symptoms of hearing loss, the doctor will usually perform a hearing test and supporting examinations to determine the type of hearing loss the child is suffering from, its causes, and determine the appropriate type of treatment.
Some of the treatment options that are usually applied to treat hearing loss in children include:
1. Clean and remove foreign objects that clog the ears
Cleaning the ears is one way that can be done to overcome hearing loss in children. However, be careful when cleaning a child's ear and avoid using it cotton bud, as this risks pushing the dirt deeper.
To be safer, Mom and Dad can take your little one to an ENT doctor to have their ears cleaned.
2. Taking medicine
To treat children's hearing loss caused by otitis media, use anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics from a doctor, according to the recommended dosage and method of use.
3. Using hearing aids
The use of hearing aids can also be one way to overcome hearing loss in children. This device is usually a small device that is placed on the bone behind the ear to help your child hear sounds more clearly.
4. Undergo surgery
If your child's hearing loss can't be treated with the above methods, your doctor may suggest ear tube surgery.
In addition, some children with hearing loss may also need to undergo speech therapy or use sign language to facilitate communication.
Having healthy hearing is one of the important things in a child's growth and development. So, the symptoms of hearing loss in children should not be taken lightly.
If your child seems to be experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, immediately consult a doctor. The sooner a child's hearing loss is treated, the more likely it is that the child will reach his or her best potential for growth and development.
