What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss can affect babies and children. Having hearing loss means that your child has lost some or all of their hearing in one or both ears.

It may be temporary (lasting a short time) or permanent, and can be caused by different things.

Hearing loss in only one ear is called unilateral hearing loss.

Hearing loss is described by:

• how much hearing your child has lost (mild, moderate, severe or profound)
• which part of the ear is affected

Severe or profound hearing loss is called deafness.

What are the types of hearing loss?

The type of hearing loss depends on which part of your ear is affected.

The different parts of the ear are the:

• outer ear (ear canal and pinna)
• middle ear (eardrum, ear bones and eustachian tube)
• inner ear (cochlear and hearing nerve)

The outer and middle ear send soundwaves to the inner ear. In the inner ear, sounds are converted to messages that are sent to your brain through the auditory nerve (hearing nerve).

There are 3 types of hearing loss:

1. conductive hearing loss
2. sensorineural hearing loss
3. mixed hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss happens when there is a problem with the outer or middle parts of the ear. This prevents the soundwaves from reaching the inner ear properly.

Conductive hearing loss is usually temporary.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by a problem in the inner ear or with the auditory nerve.

It’s usually permanent.

Mixed hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss involves having both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

What are the causes of hearing loss?

Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by different things.

Causes of conductive hearing loss

Temporary conductive hearing loss can be caused by:

• wax blockage
• middle ear infection (otitis media)
• fluid build-up in your child's middle ear

Conductive hearing loss may be permanent if your child's ear bones or ear canal are:

• damaged
• incorrectly formed

Ear infections are common in babies and young children. Most ear infections will go away without treatment in 2 to 3 days. After this time, you should see a doctor.

Causes of sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by:

• a problem with the development of the inner ear
• a physical injury to the head or inner ear
• damage to the ear from a disease such as meningitis
• excessive exposure to loud noise

Problems with the inner ear can also be caused by:

• genetics
• an infection during pregnancy, like rubella
• problems due to a preterm birth

Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent.

What are the signs of hearing loss?

While all kids develop differently, your child may have hearing loss if they don't meet some of their milestones.

Milestones for your child include:

• reacting to loud noises by 3 months of age
• noticing when you speak by 3 months
• turning to where sounds are coming from and babbling by 6 to 12 months
• responding to their name by 6 to 18 months
• being able to speak simple words and follow simple instructions by 12 to 24 months

Other possible signs of hearing loss are when your child:

• hears some sounds but not others
• appears inattentive

If you think your child might be experiencing hearing loss, you should visit your doctor.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is hearing loss diagnosed?

In Australia, babies have their hearing tested soon after birth. Most newborns are tested before they leave hospital to see if they need further testing.

If you suspect your toddler or child has hearing loss, you can take them to your doctor. To diagnose the type and extent of hearing loss, they will examine your child.

Babies and children with possible hearing loss can be referred to specialists, such as:

• an audiologist — a health professional who provides advice, education and treatment for hearing problems
• a paediatrician (children’s doctor)
• an ear, nose and throat specialist

Understanding the cause of hearing loss will help determine the best treatment for your child.

How can my child’s hearing loss be treated?

Treatment of hearing loss depends on its cause and severity.

Hearing technology

You may choose to use technologies available to assist your child’s hearing. These include:

• hearing aids, or other technology to amplify sounds or assist hearing
• a cochlear implant for severe or profound hearing loss

Early intervention

The most important thing for your child's development is being able to communicate.

Your child may benefit from speech therapy.

If your child has hearing loss, there are a range of ways they can communicate, including:

• spoken language
• sign language (Auslan)
• a combination of sign and spoken language

Assistance from a specialist teacher of the deaf can help make the most of any residual hearing.

Other treatments

Other treatments for hearing loss may include removal of a foreign object or wax.

If you child has an ear infection, they may be given medicines such as antibiotics.

If your child has repeated ear infections, grommets may be recommended. Grommets are tubes that help the fluid drain out of their ears.

Regular check ups

Children with hearing loss need to have their development monitored. This can include having regular:

• hearing tests
• eye examinations
• appointments with a paediatrician

Recognising your child’s hearing loss early can allow you to:

• adjust to your child’s needs to best support them
• help your child connect with the world around them

Can hearing loss be prevented?

You can help prevent hearing loss by protecting your child's ears from infection and loud noises.

You can also prevent hearing loss caused by infection by vaccinating your child against:

• rubella
• measles
• mumps
• meningitis

Breastfeeding can also help fight infections.

If your child gets an ear infection, treat it as soon as possible to prevent hearing loss.

You can also:

• try to make sure your child does not put anything in their ears
• teach your child good hygiene — this helps prevent infections
• help your child to eat healthily — to help fight infections

Ear protection

Make sure that your child interacts with screens and music at a safe volume.

Use ear protection for your child’s ears, like earmuffs, when they are around loud noises like:

• concerts
• sporting events
• fireworks
• power tools

Take care of your own hearing — this will set a good example for your child.

If your child is in a loud space, teach them that they can move to where their ears are comfortable.

Complications of hearing loss

Hearing loss can delay your child’s speech development.

Sometimes problems with the inner ear can also cause problems with balance.

Diagnosing hearing loss early reduces the risk of developmental delays.

Resources and support

You can read more about ear infections in children.

Online support for parents of children who are hard of hearing can be found on the Aussie Deaf Kids website.

You can find more information on hearing loss and children on the:

• Hearing Australia website
• Deaf Children Australia website

Learn more about raising a deaf child.