Infants use their senses to explore the new world around them, and hearing is no exception to this. If you think your baby might be experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to seek treatment quickly. At Glacier ENT & Hearing Services, we’re here to guide you through this process and provide your child with the best options.
How Common Is Hearing Loss In Infants?
Hearing loss is the most common congenital disability. In 2019, almost 6,000 infants born in the U.S. were diagnosed with hearing loss. This number represents two to three out of 1,000 babies.
According to the CDC, more than 98% of newborns were screened for hearing loss in 2019, and most states require that hospitals perform them at birth. These tests may be missed during home births, but can be carried out by a trained specialist.
What Are the Symptoms of Newborn Hearing Loss?
Though most children receive a hearing screening shortly after birth, some might develop hearing loss later. If your baby doesn’t seem to recognize or respond to your voice, doesn’t say simple words by one years old or doesn’t startle at loud noises, they may be experiencing hearing loss.
How Do Providers Test Infants for Hearing Loss?
Newborns usually have their hearing screened by an Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) test shortly after being born. Should they fail, they then receive an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test.
Though approximately 10% of infants do not pass these initial tests, this is sometimes due to movement or crying during the exam, or a buildup of fluid in the ears. Follow-up testing will determine if your child is truly experiencing hearing loss.
What Causes Hearing Loss in Babies?
- Premature birth
- Frequent ear infections
- Infections like meningitis or cytomegalovirus
- Exposure to loud noises
- Family history of hearing loss
What Are Treatment Options for Newborn Hearing Loss?
Our audiologist will guide your family through this process. Depending on what’s causing your child’s hearing loss and the severity of it, potential options include:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
There Are Many Benefits to Treating Hearing Loss Early
Children rely on hearing to develop speech, language and social-emotional skills. The sooner the hearing loss is treated, the sooner they can continue to grow in these areas.
What Are the Next Steps?
If you think your infant may have developed hearing loss, we’ll perform diagnostic tests and connect them with any necessary treatment options. Whether your child might benefit from cochlear implants or hearing aids, we’re here to support them through the treatment process and answer any questions you have.
Call Glacier ENT & Hearing Services for more information or to schedule an appointment.