Hearing loss can be present at birth(congenital) or acquired later. Hearing disorders can be due to problems in outer, middle or inner ear (peripheral system) or in the nerve pathway connecting the ear to the brain (Central Auditory System).
Some causes of hearing loss are:
Outer Ear |
Middle Ear |
Inner Ear |
Central Auditory System |
|
Excessive wax
Foreign bodies
Malformation etc., |
Infections
Tumor
Eustachian
tube malfunction
etc. |
Problems during pregnancy
and childbirth
Genetic causes
Excessive Noise
Ototoxicity |
Tumors
|
Development of Auditory Behaviour:
The following is the broad outline of the auditory behaviors exhibited by babies. The behaviors exhibited at the earlier stages continue at later stages also. If your child is over one year of age, look at the milestones of speech & language development.
0 - 3 Months |
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3 - 6 Months |
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Turning to source of sound
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Smile, blink, limb movement in response to sound
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Crying child quietened at least momentarily by mother's voice even when mother is not seen
|
6 - 9 Months |
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Understands questions like "Where is light / fan / Amma?" and looks in the appropriate direction
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Responds to sound of Television, or noise makers by smiling and looking in that direction
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Responds appropriately to the "tone" of voice, i.e., anger/ soothing tone
|
9 - 12 Months |
|
Whenever you are in doubt about your child's hearing status contact an Audiologist at the earliest.
Things to bear in mind when you bring a child for testing:
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Children are difficult to test. So, be prepared to stay an entire day for testing
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Bring along food / water
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You may need to make the child sleep for testing
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Sometimes sedation may be needed to make your child sleep, which requires a prescription from your child’s pediatrician
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If you have an older child, explain to him /her that hearing testing is absolutely painless and encourage him / her to co-operate
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You may have to make repeated visits before a diagnosis can be made
