Hearing loss is a big issue for adults, so if kids have to endure hearing loss, it becomes far more complicated issue. Note that a child’s ears are more sensitive than that of an adult.Hearing loss in kids can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired at later stage.Congenital hearing loss can be hereditary (genetic) or caused by infections to mother during pregnancy, including infection with cytomegalovirus or rubella. Most children experience mild hearing loss due to fluid buildup in the middle ear due to congestion, cold, or ear infections.
According to data released by World Health Organization or WHO around 95.1 million kids aged between 5 and 19 years live with hearing loss worldwide. Sometimes’ kids suffering from hearing loss aren’t able to cope with the situation even with parents or guardians help. Consistent and irritating noise can lead to hearing loss in kids. Note that, if kids are exposed to constant noise that is beyond permissible limits, this may affect their hearing abilities and hamper their physical and psychological well-being.There are three main types of hearing loss; mixed, conductive, and sensorineural.
Hearing loss due to noise is a cause acquired at a later stage. Please note that noise levels are measured as per decibel scale. As per the above chart, fireworks have the maximum decibel levels of 140, which may be harmful for adults let alone kids. In modern times, we experience sound everywhere, e.g. from television and radio, household/kitchen appliances, and traffic. Normally, these sounds can be controlled at safe levels so as not to damage hearing. If kids are exposed to harmful levels of sound, even for a brief time, it can damage their inner ear’s sensitive structures causingNoise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).
Hearing loss due to noise is a cause acquired at a later stage. Please note that noise levels are measured as per decibel scale. As per the above chart, fireworks have the maximum decibel levels of 140, which may be harmful for adults let alone kids. In modern times, we experience sound everywhere, e.g. from television and radio, household/kitchen appliances, and traffic. Normally, these sounds can be controlled at safe levels so as not to damage hearing. If kids are exposed to harmful levels of sound, even for a brief time, it can damage their inner ear’s sensitive structures causingNoise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).
Importantly, besides teaching your kid that if he or she must use earbuds whenever needed, use headphonesonly when necessary and to keep its volume down and limit the amount of time of using them. Most importantly, be a role model for your kid. Show your kid that you value your own hearing. Use ear protection yourself when you are exposed to loud noise emanating from television and radio, household/kitchen appliances, and traffic. Insist that your kid replicates you as most of the times kids replicate parents.
If despite all efforts your kid is diagnosed with hearing loss, don’t get disappointed; as there are many waysthey that can help improve their condition and help them to lead an active, happy life. Early intervention, technology use, and taking help of professionally trained experts, can help your kid suffering from hearing loss to enjoy the life to the fullest while growing up, maximise his or her potential, and ultimately leading to a happy, productive, fulfilling life.
A lot can be done to help kids with hearing loss.The key is to get the earliest possiblediagnosis and intervention. Early diagnosis and intervention can give your kid the best chance to seek strong academic achievement and look forward to creating a positive outlook towards a comprehensive social and emotional development.This will ensure that your kid is able to develop strong speech and language skillset, a key aspect of being to hear without any unnecessary developmental delays.
It'salways the parents who are best judge to suspect a hearing loss in their kid before the doctor does. So, parent must never hesitate to advocate for theirkid. Even at slightest hint of hearing loss, parents should take their kids to a hearing healthcare professional to have their hearing-ability tested. Pediatric hearing loss treatment can be an important tool in helping your kid enjoy an active and fulfilling life.
Today thousands of children in India suffer from hearing loss. It’s ideally the job of parents to do whatever they canto help their kids the very best opportunities to achieve success and overcome hearing loss. AudiZone Speech & Hearing Clinic with its pan India across 15 cities and a team of over 100 audiologists, can help keep your kids ear safe and healthy; and in case of hearing loss also provide remedial measures like branded hearing aid.
