Hearing loss is the most common birth difference, with two to three out of one thousand babies born with hearing loss. It’s important to catch this early, as hearing plays a crucial role in a child’s social and emotional development, and is key to their speech and language development.
Diagnosing Hearing Loss
Universal newborn hearing screenings are mandated in all 50 states. If a baby refers on the screening, follow-up testing can verify baby’s hearing status.
While most babies are born with normal hearing, there are some who have a hearing loss at birth, or develop hearing loss early in childhood. Risk factors include:
- Premature birth or other complications.
- Family history of hearing loss.
- Frequent or chronic ear infections.
- Infections such as meningitis or cytomegalovirus.
- Exposure to very loud noises.
If hearing loss is diagnosed early, intervention can be implemented and tend to have better outcomes. Babies rely on their hearing to develop speech and language skills. If left untreated, hearing loss can lead to delays in language development and social skills.
Newborn Hearing Tests
If a baby does not pass the newborn hearing screening at birth, a diagnostic hearing test should be completed.
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is the diagnostic test that is completed via using headphones and electrodes that measure the ears’ response to sound while baby is asleep. This appointment takes about 2 hours to complete.
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) is a hearing screening that is used to measure the response of the inner ear. It is used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests to assess the entire auditory system.
Possible Signs of Hearing Loss
Newborn hearing loss sometimes develops shortly after birth. Even if your child passes the initial hearing screening, these signs and symptoms may indicate a hearing impairment:
- Failure to startle when exposed to a sudden, loud noise.
- No recognition or response to your voice.
- Limited, poor, or nonexistent speech.
- Difficulty learning.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends upon the type and extent of hearing loss. Hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or cochlear implants are all commonly used to treat hearing loss. Your child’s audiologist is best qualified to make a recommendation based on their unique situation.
Call Oregon Ear, Nose & Throat Center at (541) 779-7331 for more information or to schedule an appointment.