Hearing Loss
HEARING LOSS Treatment IN CHILDREN
Hearing loss in children can happen at birth or occur as they grow up. It can affect a single ear or both ears. The hearing loss can also occur in isolation or associated with other abnormalities as part of a syndrome.
In Singapore, we have the universal newborn screening to screen babies born for severe hearing loss. High risk babies ( such as premature babies, or babies who required ventilation or ICU stay) will undergo more stringent testing to detect any hearing loss early. However, not all countries have some screening programmes in place.
Hence as a child is growing up, parents or care-givers need to observe if the child is reaching speech and behavioural milestones. They also need to observe behaviours like inattention to calling or loud sound. These are signs that there may be hearing loss in a child who is unable to verbalize.
Hearing is such a vital sense to young children as it affects their ability to learn and in turn affects their speech and pronunciation. At Aurion ENT, it is our hope to bring hearing to children who need it so that they can maximize their potential and lead a fulfilling life.
Hearing loss in children should be diagnosed as early as possible and intervention in the form of hearing aids or cochlear implants be started so that children can aim for normal schooling. Apart from improving children’s hearing with devices, they will need to work hand in hand with a speech therapist to train their diction and process their hearing into verbal language.
Speak to our ENT specialist at Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre to find out more about hearing loss in children.
