How to Manage Hearing Loss in Children
It's important to find and treat
hearing loss early. This can prevent additional problems with a child's speech and
language
development. A healthcare team approach is normally used when a child is diagnosed
with
some degree of hearing loss. Team members include the following:
-
Audiologist. A provider who specializes in assessing and managing hearing
and balance problems in people of all ages. Audiologists also help with the fitting
and management of hearing aids and other assistive devices.
-
Otolaryngologist. A doctor with special training in medical and surgical
treatment for children who have disorders of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT
doctor).
-
Speech
pathologist.
A provider who helps evaluate and manage speech, language, and
hearing problems in your child.
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health.
It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
Managing hearing loss may include one
or more of the following:
-
Hearing
aids.
Electronic or battery-operated devices that can amplify and change
sound. A microphone receives the sound and changes it into sound waves. The sound
waves are then changed into electrical signals.
-
Cochlear
implants.
A surgically placed device that helps to send electrical
stimulation to the inner ear. Only children with hearing loss too severe for hearing
aid use are candidates for this type of device. Talk with your child's healthcare
provider for more information.
-
Training
in sign language, lip reading, and other language approaches.
There are many
different types of language approaches. These include sign language and lip reading.
Some families choose to use just one method. Others combine communication strategies
from a few different types.