30/09/2025
Hearing Issues in Children: Causes, Tests & Treatments
- Concerned your child isn't hearing as they should? This video breaks down causes, simple tests, and effective treatments so parents can act early and confidently.
Video Overview:
- Quick, parent-friendly guide covering newborn screening, common causes of pediatric hearing loss, signs to watch for, diagnostic tests (ABR, OAE, pure tone audiometry), medical and non-medical treatments, and practical tips for communication and school support.
What you'll learn:
- How to spot early warning signs like speech delay, lack of startle response, or difficulty following directions
- Which tests audiologists and ENT specialists use and what results mean
- Treatment options from medical management to hearing aids and cochlear implants
- How to work with pediatricians, audiologists, speech therapists, and schools
Common Causes of Hearing Issues in Children:
- Conductive problems: ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, cerumen (earwax) blockage
- Sensorineural causes: congenital hearing loss, genetic conditions, neonatal infections (CMV), noise exposure
- Mixed or retrocochlear issues: structural anomalies, auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder
Symptoms to Watch For:
- No babbling by 6 months or no words by 12-15 months
- Not responding to name, delayed speech, academic or attention struggles
- Frequent ear tugging, chronic ear infections, unusually loud TV volume
Tests and Diagnosis:
- Newborn hearing screening: OAE (otoacoustic emissions) and automated ABR
- Diagnostic audiology: behavioral audiometry, tympanometry, diagnostic ABR
- Medical assessment: ENT exam, imaging (CT/MRI) when indicated, genetic testing for congenital cases
Treatment Options:
- Medical: antibiotics or myringotomy for recurrent otitis media, tympanostomy tubes
- Amplification: hearing aids, bone conduction devices for conductive losses
- Implantable solutions: cochlear implants for severe-to-profound sensorineural loss
- Rehabilitation: early intervention, speech-language therapy, FM systems for classrooms
When to See a Specialist:
- Failed newborn screen, parental concern about listening or speech, recurrent ear infections, developmental delays
- Immediate referral for diagnostic audiology and ENT evaluation
Practical Tips for Parents:
- Keep hearing testing records and ask for written action plans from providers
- Advocate for early intervention and school accommodations (IEP/504 plans)
- Use clear speech, visuals, and routines to support language development
Resources & Next Steps:
- Ask your pediatrician for an audiology referral or early intervention services
- Search local pediatric audiologists and early intervention programs
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Suggested Titles (high-search, engaging):
- Pediatric Hearing Loss: Causes, Tests & Treatments Explained
- Signs Your Child Has Hearing Problems and What To Do Next
- Newborn Screening to Cochlear Implants: A Parent's Guide
Call to Action:
- If this helped, like and subscribe for more pediatric health guides. Share with other parents and leave questions in the comments so we can address them in future videos.
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Concerned your child isn't hearing as they should? This video breaks down causes, simple tests, and effective treatments so parents can act early and confide...