If your newborn child
- does not startle, move, cry or react in any way to unexpected loud noises,
- does not awaken to loud noises,
- does not turn his/her head in the direction of your voice,
- does not freely imitate sound, or
- has failed a newborn hearing screening test,
then he or she may have some degree of infant hearing loss.
More than three million American children have hearing loss, and an estimated 1.3 million of them are under three years of age. Parents and grandparents are usually the first to discover hearing loss in a baby because they spend the most time with them. If at any time you suspect your baby has infant hearing loss, discuss it with your doctor. He or she may recommend evaluation by an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon (ear, nose and throat specialist) and additional hearing tests.
Infant hearing loss can be temporary, caused by ear wax, middle ear fluid, or infections. Many children with temporary hearing loss can have their hearing restored through medical treatment or minor surgery. However, some children can have sensorineural hearing loss (sometimes called nerve deafness), which is permanent. Most of these children have some usable hearing, and children as young as three months old can be fitted with hearing aids.
Early diagnosis is crucial in the management of infant hearing loss. When the diagnosis of infant hearing loss is delayed, this can have a significant impact on the child’s speech and language development. There’s a good chance that this impact will not be a positive one if there is no help and intervention. Early fitting of hearing or other prosthetic aids and an early start on special education programs can help maximize a child’s existing hearing. This will help your child get a head start on his or her speech and language development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common signs of infant hearing loss include a lack of startle or movement in response to loud noises, not awakening to loud sounds, failure to turn the head toward a voice, lack of sound imitation, or failing a newborn hearing screening test. Parents and caregivers are often the first to notice these signs.
More than three million American children have some degree of hearing loss, with an estimated 1.3 million of these children under the age of three. Early detection is important to manage hearing loss effectively in young children.
If you suspect your baby has hearing loss, it is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor promptly. Your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) for further evaluation and additional hearing tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Yes, infant hearing loss can sometimes be temporary, caused by factors such as ear wax buildup, middle ear fluid, or infections. In many cases, medical treatment or minor surgery can restore hearing to children with temporary hearing issues.
Sensorineural hearing loss, often called nerve deafness, is a permanent form of hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve. Although permanent, many children with sensorineural hearing loss still retain some usable hearing and can benefit from hearing aids fitted as early as three months old.
Early diagnosis of infant hearing loss is crucial because delays can significantly affect a child's speech and language development. Early intervention, including fitting hearing aids and starting special education programs, helps maximize hearing potential and supports better developmental outcomes.
Children with infant hearing loss can benefit from early fitting of hearing aids or other prosthetic devices, as well as specialized education programs designed to support speech and language development. These interventions can help maximize a child's existing hearing and provide a foundation for effective communication skills.
