In the UK each year there are approximately 840 babies born with some form of hearing loss and by the age of three one in every thousand will have the condition. If you have your
In the UK each year there are approximately 840 babies born with some form of hearing loss and by the age of three one in every thousand will have the condition.
If you have your child’s hearing tested following the child’s birth you can reduce the possibility of hearing problems.
New born babies and hearing tests
The first few months after your baby is born can be a delicate time and there seems to be a never ending list of things to do and learn. One important test that needs to be carried out in the first few weeks is an automated otoacoustic emissions test (AOAE). This normally takes place in the hospital and all following tests can be carried out annually to monitor your child’s progress and pick up any problems that arise. Detecting hearing loss early can prove invaluable and may even save your child’s hearing in the future.
Being aware of changes in your child’s reactions
One of the many problems with hearing loss in children is the fact that they can’t always explain or understand what is happening to them. An article in the Daily Mail gives some of the warning signs and what to look out for; some of these include your child shouting instead of talking normally, not responding when called and having difficulty concentrating at school. If you are ever unsure about the way your child reacts or you think they are ignoring you and complain of ringing noises in either ear, then taking them for a hearing test will put your mind at rest.
Monitoring your child’s progress
As your children grow older and get to the age when they start to go to a nursery or school it’s always best to get their hearing tested before they start. If any problems are detected then a hearing aid can be fitted and they won’t miss out on any important school work and fall behind, making it difficult to catch up later in the year. There are many causes of hearing loss in children including low birth weight or the mother having rubella during pregnancy, but there are many other factors. If your child has an ear infection then a visit to the GP is advised.
Leading a normal life with hearing problems
The BBC website has an article about a young girl who suffers from profound hearing loss in her right ear and moderate loss in her left ear; she also suffered constant ear infections as a child meaning wearing a hearing aid was difficult. But thanks to the charity Children in Need she was able to gain access to a hearing dog which changed her life. The dog is trained to respond to the alarm clock going off in the morning, alerting the person that it’s time to get up, they also carry messages from one room to another and if a smoke alarm sounds the dog will jump up letting the girl know something is wrong.
Into adulthood
If you have hearing issues you will need regular checks and testing throughout your lifetime. The positive news is that hearing aid technology is constantly evolving, with state-of-the-art devices allowing aids to integrate seamlessly into everyday life and people to maintain uninterupted and uncompromised lifestyles. Consulting experts such as Hidden Hearing ensures that the hearing loss issues first discovered in childhood can be managed as individuals age and require new solutions.