What is Deafness?

Deafness in children can occur at birth (congenital) or later in life (acquired). Congenital hearing loss may be genetic or due to pregnancy infections, such as cytomegalovirus or rubella. Hearing loss is more prevalent among babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It can be an isolated condition or part of a syndrome with other symptoms. Genetic testing may help identify the cause in some cases. Acquired hearing loss may result from infections like meningitis, chronic ear infections, trauma, or certain medications.

Depending on its cause, hearing loss may be:

• Sensorineural: Permanent hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve.
• Conductive: Occurs when sound is blocked from reaching the inner ear due to earwax, foreign objects, fluid build-up, or a perforated eardrum. This type may be treatable with medication or surgery.

Deafness is classified as mild, moderate, severe, or profound based on severity.

What are the symptoms of deafness in children?

As babies grow into toddlers, signs of hearing loss may include:

• Limited, poor, or no speech.
• Frequent inattentiveness.
• Learning difficulties.
• Watching TV at a higher volume than usual.
• No or inappropriate response to spoken conversation.
• No response to their name or irritability in noisy environments.

What causes deafness in children?

Conditions from Birth

• Inherited genetic conditions.
• Infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella).
• Blood Rh incompatibility.
• Premature birth.
• Maternal diabetes.
• Toxaemia during pregnancy.
• Oxygen deprivation (anoxia).
• Use of ventilator for more than 10 days after birth.
• Severe neonatal jaundice.
• Hydrocephalus (fluid accumulation in the brain).

Post-Birth Conditions

• Ear infections (Otitis Media).
• Ototoxic medications and infections like meningitis, encephalitis, measles, mumps, chickenpox, or influenza.
• Head injuries or trauma to the ear.
• Exposure to loud noise.
• Presence of foreign bodies in the ear.
• Earwax build-up.
• Rarely, cancer may also lead to deafness.

How is deafness in children diagnosed?

A hearing test is the most effective way to diagnose the type and degree of hearing loss. Additional tests may help identify the underlying cause.

For very young children or those with developmental delays, the following non-cooperative tests are used:

• Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Test
• Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) Test

For cooperative children:

• Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA): For ages 5 to 30 months.
• Play Audiometry: For children aged 3 to 5 years.

What are the treatments for deafness in children?

If the cause is secretory otitis media (fluid collection behind the eardrum), a surgeon may perform a myringotomy with grommet insertion to restore hearing.

For more severe hearing loss, treatments may include:

• Cochlear Implants: Surgically implanted electronic devices for severe cases.
• BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aids): An option when traditional aids are ineffective.

Additional support therapies may include:

• Speech therapy
• Special education
• FM (frequency modulated) or IR (infrared) systems

If the hearing loss is irreversible, hearing aids are recommended based on test results.

When to call a doctor for help?

If you observe any of the listed symptoms in your child, consult a pediatrician or ENT specialist promptly. Early detection leads to better outcomes.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Deafness Treatment in Children in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital has the most trusted team of Pediatric ENT specialists and surgeons with advanced diagnostic equipment and child-friendly care for Pediatric Deafness treatment in Lucknow, India. Our Pediatric ENT department follows international safety standards and has years of experience in successfully managing children's ear, nose and throat diseases.

To seek an expert consultation for Deafness Treatment in Children in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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