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Does my baby have hearing loss?
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, or
- Does not freely imitate sound,
He or she may have some degree of hearing loss.
More than three million American children have a hearing loss. An estimated
1.3 million of these children 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 a
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).
Hearing loss can be temporary, caused by earwax or middle ear infections.
Many children with temporary hearing loss can have their hearing restored
through medical treatment or minor surgery.
However, some children 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 of age can be fitted with hearing
aids. Early diagnosis, 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 means your child will get a head start on speech and language
development.
For more information on hearing, go to our Hearing Health
Links
© 2004 AAO-HNS/AAO-HNSF
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