Does your Child have Hearing Problems?
by courtkneeInfant hearing problems can be a parent’s worst nightmare. The loss of hearing in an infant results from a congenital defect, illness or injury. One of the first signs of hearing problems is an absence of the newborn “startle” reflex, in which your newborn will flail their arms after a loud noise. If you haven’t observed this reflex in your newborn, try using a squeak toy during a quiet time to se if your baby reacts to the sound.
Hearing loss can be partial or full. Temporary hearing loss due to an illness is a possibility in newborns. There maybe a blockage of the eardrum by a foreign object, an infection or wax. If you notice a lack of response to sound in your infant, and it is accompanied with other signs of infection (ear discharge, runny noise, fussiness and inability to sleep) than the hearing loss is treatable. Your doctor will prescribe medication to clear the infection and restore your infants hearing. If you suspect a foreign object is the cause of your infant’s hearing loss, do not attempt to remove it. See your health care provider. The same is true for removal of built up wax. Your health care provider can remove the wax during your next visit.
If you have a family history of deafness, than the possibility that your child is deaf becomes greater. Permanent hearing loss is evident when your infant does not startle or turn in response to noises. If he doesn’t seem to notice you until he sees you, this is another sign. Children with hearing problems will aslo have slow or absent speech development, and difficulty with balance and coordination. You health care provider can determine the level of hearing loss that your child has, and can provide resources for raising a deaf child.
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