Deafness in Children


Studies indicate that approximately 1.4 out of every 1000 newborns are born with hearing loss. Exposure to environmental noise has also contributed to the growing prevalence of hearing loss in children.

A baby starts hearing sounds while still in the womb. The early years of life are crucial for developing speech and communication skills, as children learn to speak by mimicking sounds around them. If they cannot hear properly, they may struggle to develop proper speech.

Unfortunately, it is often difficult for parents to detect hearing impairment in their child until they are 8 to 12 months old. If you suspect your child has hearing issues, or if you would like expert advice, schedule an appointment with the best pediatric ENT specialist in Guntur at Dr. Rayudu’s ENT Hospital, renowned for treating deafness in children and other related issues.

Causes of Deafness in Children


Conditions from Birth

  • Genetic inheritance of faulty hearing-related genes.
  • Infections contracted in the womb, such as rubella (German Measles).
  • Blood Rh factor incompatibility complications.
  • Premature birth or low birth weight.
  • Maternal diabetes during pregnancy.
  • Toxaemia (pre-eclampsia) during pregnancy.
  • Anoxia (lack of oxygen) during or after birth.
  • Prolonged use of ventilators after birth (more than 10 days).
  • Severe jaundice shortly after birth.
  • Hydrocephalus (excess fluid in the brain).
Causes of Hearing Loss

Post-Birth Conditions

  • Ear infections, such as Otitis Media (middle ear infection).
  • Ototoxic medications (drugs that can damage hearing), used to treat conditions like encephalitis, meningitis, measles, chickenpox, mumps, or influenza.
  • Head injury or trauma to the ear.
  • Exposure to loud noises or music.
  • Presence of foreign objects in the ear canal.
  • Compacted earwax blocking sound transmission.
  • In rare cases, cancer could also lead to hearing loss.

Symptoms


As babies grow into toddlers, signs of hearing loss may become more noticeable. Some common symptoms include:

  • Delayed or absent speech development.
  • Frequent inattention or lack of response.
  • Difficulty learning or limited language skills.
  • Increasing the volume of the TV or devices beyond normal levels.
  • Failure to respond to conversations or giving inappropriate answers.
  • Not reacting to their name or becoming agitated by background noise.

Precautions & Treatments