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What Are The Signs Of Hearing Loss In Babies?

What Are The Signs Of Hearing Loss In Babies?

3 Mar 2023 | 5 min Read

Manisha Pradhan

Author | 1053 Articles

It is essential to detect and address the signs of hearing loss in babies early in life as it can have a significant impact on their language, communication, and social development. The earlier hearing loss in babies is detected and treated, the more chances for them to recover and reach their full potential.

But how can you know if your baby has hearing loss? Read on to know the symptoms, causes, precautions and treatment for hearing loss in babies.

What Is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is when any part of the ear is not working in the way it is supposed to. This includes the outer ear, inner ear, middle ear, and hearing nerve(Also called the acoustic nerve. It sends sound information from the ear to the brain., and the auditory system(The system that processes sound information as it travels from the ear to the brain).

Causes of Hearing Loss In Babies

*The earlier you detect the signs of hearing loss in babies, it increases the chances of recovery/Image source: freepik*

There are various causes of hearing loss in babies, including genetic factors, infections, and complications during pregnancy or birth. Some of the common causes include:

Genetic factors

Some babies are born with hearing impairment due to genetic factors inherited from their parents. It is essential to be aware of any family history of hearing loss and seek medical advice accordingly.

Infections during pregnancy

Infections such as cytomegalovirus, rubella, and herpes that happen during pregnancy, can lead to hearing loss in babies. Expectant mothers need to get regular prenatal care to avoid such infections.

Birth complications

Complications during birth, such as premature birth, low birth weight, and lack of oxygen, can result in hearing loss in babies.

Exposure to loud noises

Loud noises, such as explosions or gunfire, can damage a baby’s hearing. It is important to ensure that babies are not exposed to loud noises.

Medications

Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can lead to hearing loss in babies.

What Are The Signs of Hearing Loss In Babies?

Detecting hearing loss in babies can be challenging, especially in the early stages. However, there are several signs that parents can look out for, which may indicate that their baby has a hearing impairment.

Some of these signs include:

Lack of response to sounds – Babies with hearing loss may not respond to sounds, such as their name being called or loud noises.

Delayed speech and language development – Babies with hearing loss may have delayed speech and language development. They may not babble, make cooing sounds, or say their first words at the expected age.
Inability to locate the source of the sound – Babies with hearing loss may have difficulty locating the source of the sound.
Lack of interest in sound – Babies with hearing loss may not seem interested in sound or music.
Failure to startle – Babies with hearing loss may not startle in response to sudden loud noises.
Unusual behaviour – Babies with hearing loss may exhibit unusual behaviour, such as being easily startled or unusually quiet.

Treatment Of Hearing Loss In Babies

Early detection and treatment of hearing loss in babies are essential to prevent further complications. There are various treatment options available, depending on the cause and severity of the hearing loss. Some of the treatment options include:

Hearing aids

Small electronic devices known as hearing aids, amplifies the sound and can be used to treat mild to moderate hearing loss.

Cochlear implants

These are small devices that are surgically implanted in the inner ear and can be used to treat severe to profound hearing loss.

Speech therapy

Therapies such as speech therapy can help babies with hearing loss develop their speech and language skills.

Sign language

Learning sign language can be a valuable tool for babies with hearing loss to communicate with others.

How To Prevent Hearing Loss In Babies

There are several ways to prevent hearing loss in babies, including:

Regular prenatal care – Regular prenatal care can help prevent infections during pregnancy that can lead to hearing loss in babies.
Avoid exposure to loud noises – It is important to ensure that babies are not exposed to loud noises that can damage their hearing.
Screening for hearing loss – All babies should be screened for hearing loss shortly after birth to detect any potential hearing problems early.
Genetic counselling – If there is a family history of hearing loss, genetic counselling can help identify any potential genetic factors that may increase the risk of hearing loss in babies.
Protecting ears during loud events – It is important to protect babies’ ears during loud events such as concerts or fireworks displays. This can be done by using noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs.

Parents need to be aware of the signs of hearing loss and seek medical advice early. Parents can prevent hearing loss in babies by making sure the mum-to-be takes measures such as regular prenatal care, avoiding exposure to loud noises, and genetic counselling can help reduce the risk of hearing loss in babies.

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