“Ava, do you hear me?” Although some toddlers just pretend that they can’t hear you, you may be nervous that your toddler is experiencing a hearing problem. This article will explain everything about toddler hearing problems, from early screenings to symptoms, and from possible causes to treatments.
Hearing Screenings
Although most newborns are screened for hearing problems at birth, a negative screening is by no means conclusive. Often, an infant receiving a negative screening will be retested later on to ensure that the results were accurate. By the toddler stage, most congenital hearing problems (problems that existed at the time of birth) have been identified, but toddlers can develop acquired hearing problems subsequently. Therefore, if you have any concerns about your toddler’s hearing, be sure to mention them to your child’s pediatrician.
Symptoms of Toddler Hearing Problems
The following are some signs that your toddler may be dealing with a hearing problem:
· Child does not respond to names of familiar people or objects.
· Child does not turn towards loud noises.
· Child says very few words (two words or fewer at 18 months).
· Child does not babble.
Although each of these signs individually do not point directly to a hearing problem, they should encourage you to have your toddler’s hearing examined.
Ear Infections
One of the primary causes of toddler hearing problems is ear infections (Otitus Media). Although temporary hearing loss after a severe ear infection is normal, ear infections can also spread and cause severe ear pain or hearing loss. To avoid this, bring any of the following symptoms of an ear infection to the attention of your doctor immediately so that treatment of the infection can begin if necessary.
· Pulling at the ear (not always a sign of an ear infection; toddlers are often fascinated with ears)
· Ear drainage
· Severe irritability, crying, or fever
Possible Treatment of Toddler Hearing Problems
Depending on the type and severity of a toddler’s hearing loss, it might be possible to fit the child with a hearing aid or other amplification device. This can enable a child to hear more clearly, which will increase her ability to learn from her surroundings. For toddlers who experience a more severe hearing problem, such as deafness, a cochlear implant may be a possibility. Speak with an audiologist to discuss possible options.
Resources
- Hearing Loss in Children
- Mayo Clinic: Hearing Disorders