Understanding Hearing Loss In Children | Hearing

By AlvintToh
Total views: 26
Word Count: 512

Hearing loss does not only affect people approaching old age. It is also prevalent in children. In fact, hearing loss is being detected in children at a younger age than ever before.

Type of hearing loss

There are different types of hearing loss which can affect children, the most common is sensorineural. This type of hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear as a result of exposure to very loud noises, an injury or infection. This kind of ear damage is irreparable.

While sensorineural hearing loss does not permanently improve, it also does not get any worse. It involves a lowering in the ability to hear soft sounds, to hear clearly and can affect how well you understand speech. Typically, this type of hearing loss can be improved through the use of a hearing aid. Other types of hearing loss are conductive and mixed. Conductive hearing loss is when sounds are not conducted to the inner ear properly and can often be corrected with surgery. Mixed hearing loss involves both sensorineural and conductive. A hearing professional can assess the type and degree of hearing loss your child has.

What causes hearing loss in children

Most hearing loss in children is not actually caused by genetics, but by loud noises. You may or may not have control over the noises.

Loud music, particularly music played directly into the ear via earbuds, is one way that kids are getting exposed to noise that can damage the ears. A recent study in Australia found that children as young as three have shown signs of permanent hearing loss due to listening to loud music. Do you know that listening to music that is too loud for more than 5 to 10 minutes can produce hearing damage? Shocking but true.

Another similar cause of hearing loss is playing musical instruments too loudly. It is found that playing and practicing in a school band or orchestra can actually cause hearing loss. This is true when the music is practiced in an enclosed area. The National Association for Music Education (MENC) even issued a statement that educators need to recognize music as a cause of noise-induced hearing loss.

What can be done

Educate your children about noise induced hearing loss. Teach them the causes of hearing loss and what precautions to take.

First you should try to determine the safe volume level of mp3 players and other audio devices which your children listen with headphones. Make sure you listen to the music yourself so that you can decide what a safe volume is.

Get your children to use earplugs. Just like the helmet helps keep a child safe and protected when riding a bicycle, earplugs can help keep ears safe from loud noises. Ensure that your child wears the earplugs when practicing in the band or even when mowing the lawn.

The best way of looking after your children's hearing is to use your common sense to set noise limits for them. Educate them on why they must look after their hearing and dangers of loud noises. Advise them on the safe listening volume level for their ears.

About the Author

Hearing aids can be used for some types of hearing loss in children. Behind the ear hearing aids are the most common type used by children with hearing loss. Check out our hearing aid reviews and resources at www.abouthearingaid.com/home

You are here Articles > Health > Hearing