{"id":78561,"date":"2023-09-19T21:59:26","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T18:59:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog?p=78561"},"modified":"2023-09-19T21:59:26","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T18:59:26","slug":"hearing-loss-in-babies-causes-milestones-and-interventions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/hearing-loss-in-babies-causes-milestones-and-interventions","title":{"rendered":"Hearing Loss in Babies: Causes, Milestones, and Interventions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Embarking on the incredible journey of language acquisition is a pivotal milestone in your baby&#8217;s growth. But, the key to unlocking this extraordinary world of language lies in their ability to hear. This is why having your baby&#8217;s hearing tested at key milestones is critical, starting at birth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Your baby begins to hear sounds before birth. After they&#8217;re born, they start observing your face and listening to your words. Their hearing system continues to develop each day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">At<strong> 3 months<\/strong>, your baby will smile when spoken to, and at<strong> 6 months<\/strong>\u00a0they will begin to babble and imitate certain sounds. If your baby cannot hear, <strong>this process of development slows down significantly.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">In this article we will look into hearing loss in babies. We will first define hearing loss in babies and then study the most frequently asked questions alongside their answers. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Most newborns hear well, but every year an estimated<strong> 6,000 are born in the U.S. with hearing that falls outside the typical range.<\/strong> Early screening is a crucial step in identifying children who need early intervention and support to gain language skills that will help them learn.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\"><strong>Without screening or testing<\/strong>, hearing loss may not be noticed until the baby is more than a year old. <\/span><span class=\"tm7\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthychildren.org\/English\/ages-stages\/baby\/Pages\/Purpose-of-Newborn-Hearing-Screening.aspx\">The American Academy of Pediatrics<\/a> (AAP) supports newborn hearing screenings required in all 50 states.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\"> And because a child&#8217;s hearing can change over time, yearly hearing screenings for children aged 4 through 6, followed by additional screening at ages 8 and 10 are also recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">In most states, newborns get hearing screening tests before going home. If it&#8217;s not done then, or a baby was born at home or at a birthing center, it&#8217;s important to <strong>check their hearing within the first 3 weeks of life.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">A baby who doesn&#8217;t pass a hearing screening doesn&#8217;t necessarily have hearing loss. Another hearing test should be done by<strong> 3 months of age<\/strong>. If it confirms the presence of a hearing problem, doctors recommend <strong>starting treatment before 6 months.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Even newborns who pass their initial hearing screening should be observed for signs that they might not be hearing well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Hearing loss can affect a baby\u2019s ability to develop speech, language, and social skills. The earlier a child gets a treatment, the more likely they are to reach their full potential. Read on to learn more about hearing loss and intervention techniques.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-hearing-loss-in-babies\" class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">What is hearing loss in babies?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Hearing loss is when any part of the ear isn\u2019t working in the usual, expected way. Contrary to popular belief, hearing loss does not only affect the elderly. It can also affect babies.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">When we talk about hearing loss in babies, it can mean that the baby has lost some or all of their hearing in one or both ears. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">This impairment can be,<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>partial (<span class=\"tm7\">this means the baby can&#8217;t hear certain sounds).<\/span><\/li>\n<li>complete (this means that the baby can&#8217;t hear any sound).<\/li>\n<li>temporary.<\/li>\n<li>permanent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">When a baby is born with hearing loss, it\u2019s called <strong>congenital hearing loss.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Hearing loss can also develop later in babies or during childhood or adulthood. This is called <strong>acquired hearing loss.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Hearing loss is categorized as <strong>mild, moderate, severe or profound depending on its severity.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/terrible-twos-what-is-it-and-how-you-can-deal-with-it\">Terrible Twos: What Is It And How You Can Deal With It?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-congenital-hearing-loss\" class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">What is congenital hearing loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/hearing-loss\/hearing-loss-in-children\"><strong><span class=\"tm8\">Congenital hearing<\/span><\/strong><\/a> <span class=\"tm7\">loss is hearing loss present at birth.\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"tm7\">It may also be called <strong>congenital deafness<\/strong> if the hearing loss is very severe or profound.\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Congenital hearing loss can have many causes, but in most cases it is hereditary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Other causes of congenital hearing loss include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Maternal infections, such as rubella<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Premature birth<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Low birth weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Birth injuries<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Drug and alcohol use during pregnancy<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Maternal diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"tm7\">Babies born with congenital CMV (Cytomegalovirus) may have hearing loss at birth or it may develop later.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-acquired-hearing-loss\" class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">What is acquired hearing loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><strong><span class=\"tm8\">Acquired hearing<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm7\"><strong> loss<\/strong> is hearing loss which appears after birth, at any time in one&#8217;s life, perhaps as a result of a disease, condition or injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Below are some examples of conditions that can cause acquired hearing loss:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Ear infections (like otitis media, an inflammation in the middle ear)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Ototoxic drugs (auditory damage is a side effect)<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Meningitis<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Measles<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Encephalitis<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Chicken pox<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Influenza<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Mumps<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Head injury<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Noise exposure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/baby-hearing-development-all-you-need-to-know\">Baby Hearing Development: All You Need to Know<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-some-signs-of-hearing-loss-in-babies\" class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">What are some signs of hearing loss in babies?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Below are some signs and symptoms that indicate hearing loss in babies:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Not being startled by loud sounds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Not turning towards a sound after they are 6 months old.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Not saying single words like \u201cmama\u201d or \u201cdada\u201d by the time they are 1 year old.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Turn their head if they see you, but not if you only call out their name.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Hearing some sounds but not others.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">If your baby shows any sign of hearing loss at any time, call your health care provider to get your baby\u2019s hearing checked. Always keep in mind that early intervention to some health problems can mean a lot.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-some-hearing-developmental-milestones\" class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">What are some hearing developmental milestones?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Even after your baby passes their newborn hearing screening test, you should continue to monitor their milestones as they grow and develop. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Below are some guidelines to check if your baby\u2019s hearing is on track according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.asha.org\/public\/speech\/development\/01\/\">American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">And as always you should keep in mind that all babies are different and reach milestones at slightly different ages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"Normal tm13 tm14\" border=\"0\" rules=\"all\">\n<tbody class=\"tm15\">\n<tr>\n<td class=\"tm16 tm6 tm17\">\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><strong><span class=\"tm8\">Hearing and comprehension<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"tm16 tm6 tm17\">\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><strong><span class=\"tm7\">Talking<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"tm16 tm6 tm17\">\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><strong><span class=\"tm8\">Birth\u20133 months<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Startles at loud sounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Quiets or smiles when you talk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Seems to recognize your voice. Quiets if crying.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"tm16 tm6 tm17\">\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><strong><span class=\"tm8\">Birth\u20133 months<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Makes cooing sounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Cries change for different needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Smiles at people.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"tm16 tm6 tm17\">\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><strong><span class=\"tm8\">4\u20136 months<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Moves their eyes in the direction of sounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Responds to changes in your tone of voice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Notices toys that make sounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Pays attention to music.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"tm16 tm6 tm17\">\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><strong><span class=\"tm8\">4\u20136 months<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Coos and babbles when playing alone or with you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Makes speech-like babbling sounds, like <\/span><em><span class=\"tm20\">pa<\/span><\/em><span class=\"tm7\">, <\/span><em><span class=\"tm20\">ba<\/span><\/em><span class=\"tm7\">, and <\/span><em><span class=\"tm20\">mi<\/span><\/em><span class=\"tm7\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Giggles and laughs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Makes sounds when happy or upset.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"tm16 tm6 tm17\">\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><strong><span class=\"tm8\">7 months\u20131 year<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Turns and looks in the direction of sounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Looks when you point.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Turns when you call their name.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Understands words for common items and people\u2014words like <\/span><em><span class=\"tm20\">cup<\/span><\/em><span class=\"tm7\">, <\/span><em><span class=\"tm20\">truck<\/span><\/em><span class=\"tm7\">, <\/span><em><span class=\"tm20\">juice<\/span><\/em><span class=\"tm7\">, and <\/span><em><span class=\"tm20\">daddy<\/span><\/em><span class=\"tm7\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Starts to respond to simple words and phrases, like \u201cNo,\u201d \u201cCome here,\u201d and \u201cWant more?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Plays games with you, like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Listens to songs and stories for a short time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"tm16 tm6 tm17\">\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><strong><span class=\"tm8\">7 months\u20131 year<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Babbles long strings of sounds, like <\/span><em><span class=\"tm20\">mimi upup babababa<\/span><\/em><span class=\"tm7\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Uses sounds and gestures to get and keep attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Points to objects and shows them to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Uses gestures like waving bye, reaching for \u201cup,\u201d and shaking his head no.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Imitates different speech sounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm11\">\u00b7 <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Says 1 or 2 words, like <\/span><em><span class=\"tm20\">hi<\/span><\/em><span class=\"tm7\">, <\/span><em><span class=\"tm20\">dog<\/span><\/em><span class=\"tm7\">, <\/span><em><span class=\"tm20\">dada<\/span><\/em><span class=\"tm7\">, <\/span><em><span class=\"tm20\">mama<\/span><\/em><span class=\"tm7\">, or <\/span><em><span class=\"tm20\">uh-oh<\/span><\/em><span class=\"tm7\">. This will happen around their first birthday, but sounds may not be clear.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"does-my-baby-have-hearing-loss\" class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">Does my baby have hearing loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that all babies get screened for hearing loss before they\u2019re <strong>1 month old.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Most babies get their hearing checked as part of newborn screening before they leave the hospital after birth. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\"><strong>Hearing screening<\/strong> can tell if a baby might have hearing loss. It is an easy process and it is not painful. It takes a very short time and usually only lasts a few minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"tm7\"><strong>If your baby doesn\u2019t pass their newborn hearing screening, it doesn\u2019t always mean they have hearing loss.<\/strong> However, your baby needs a full hearing test before <strong>3 months of age<\/strong>. A full hearing test can help your baby\u2019s health care provider diagnose hearing loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">If your baby has hearing loss, it is important to seek treatment right away. <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/tummy-time-101-why-your-baby-needs-it\">Tummy Time 101 \u2013 Why Your Baby Needs It<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-causes-and-risk-factors-of-hearing-loss\" class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">What are the causes and risk factors of hearing loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Hearing loss can happen any time during life, from birth to adulthood. However, some factors can <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">increase the chances of your child getting hearing loss. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"genetic-causes\" class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Genetic causes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\"> About <strong>1 out of 2<\/strong> cases of hearing loss in babies is due to genetic causes. This means that one of two babies suffering from hearing loss acquire it through genetics and share the condition with other family members<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">About <strong>1 out of 3<\/strong> babies with genetic hearing loss have a \u201csyndrome.\u201d This means they have other conditions in addition to hearing loss, such as Down syndrome or Usher syndrome. <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"other-causes\" class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Other causes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\"><strong> 1 out of 4<\/strong> cases of hearing loss in babies is due to maternal infections during pregnancy, complications after birth, and head trauma. For example, the baby might have hearing loss if they,<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\">Were exposed to infection before birth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\">Spent a few days in a hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or had complications while in the NICU.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\">Had head, face or ears shaped or formed in a different way than usual.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\">Have a condition like a neurological disorder that may be associated with hearing loss.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\">Had an infection around the brain and spinal cord called meningitis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\"><span class=\"tm7\">Received a bad injury to the head that required a hospital stay.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-types-of-hearing-impairment\" class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">What are the types of hearing impairment?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Your ear is made up of three parts: the outer, middle and inner ear. And there are two main types of hearing loss; conductive and sensorineural. Hearing impairments happen in different parts of the ear. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"conductive-hearing-loss\" class=\"tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Conductive hearing loss<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">C<\/span><span class=\"tm7\">onductive hearing loss means that there is a problem with the outer or middle parts of the ear. This prevents sound waves from reaching the inner ear properly. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Temporary conductive hearing loss can be due to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm10\"><span class=\"tm7\">A large amount of wax lodged in the ear canal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm10\"><span class=\"tm7\">Middle ear infection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm10\"><span class=\"tm7\">Fluid in the middle ear.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Conductive hearing loss may be permanant if your child\u2019s ear bones or ear canal are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm10\"><span class=\"tm7\">Damaged.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm10\"><span class=\"tm7\">Incorrectly formed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"sensorineural-hearing-loss-also-called-nerve-deafness\" class=\"tm6\"><span class=\"tm23\">Sensorineural hearing loss (also called nerve deafness)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">This type of hearing impairment is caused by an abnormality of the inner ear or the nerves that carry sound messages from the inner ear to the brain. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">The impairment can be present at birth or occur anytime after. It can be caused by: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">A problem with the development of the inner ear.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">A physical injury to the head or inner ear.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Damage to the ear from diseases such as menengitis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Excessive exposure to loud noise.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Problems with the inner ear can be caused by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Genetic problems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">An infection during pregnancy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm12\"><span class=\"tm7\">Problems due to a preterm birth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Sensorineural hearing losses is usually permanent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/thumb-sucking-what-you-need-to-know\">Thumb-Sucking: What You Need to Know<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"can-babies-grow-out-of-hearing-loss\" class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">Can babies grow out of hearing loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">This is a question you should ask your baby\u2019s doctor. <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Experts share that <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">it is often possible to treat hearing loss that is caused by problems in the middle ear with medicines or surgery. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">But also, generally speaking, there is no cure for hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or nerves. <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">So how well your baby does depends on the<strong> cause, nature, and severity of their hearing loss.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Advances in hearing aids and other devices, as well as speech therapy, allow many children to develop normal language skills at the same age as their peers with normal hearing. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Even infants with profound hearing loss can do well with the right combination of treatments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"can-babies-with-hearing-loss-or-deafness-babble\" class=\"tm6\"><span class=\"tm23\">Can babies with hearing loss or deafness babble?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Babbling is a normal stage of language development among babies. <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">Babies with hearing loss tend to babble less, <strong>which can be an early warning sign they aren&#8217;t hearing well.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Researchers at the University of Missouri (MU) published a <a href=\"http:\/\/Nighttime sleep-wake patterns and self-soothing from birth to one year of age: a longitudinal intervention study - PMC (nih.gov)\">study<\/a> showing that babies with profound hearing loss rarely make repetitive vowel sounds like <\/span><span class=\"tm7\">\u201cda-da\u201d, \u201cma-ma\u201d and \u201cga-ga\u201d which is common among babies without hearing loss. <\/span><u><\/u><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">But MU researchers also found that thanks to <strong>cochlear implants<\/strong> infants began babbling with the same frequency as typically hearing infants within just a few months. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Cochlear implants are small electronic devices embedded behind the ear that serve to replace some functions of the impaired inner ear. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Researchers noted that not only was there an increase in vocalizations with repetitive syllables, but that the number of repetitions in the string also increased.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-do-you-treat-hearing-loss-in-babies\" class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">How do you treat hearing loss in babies?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Timing is an important factor in treating hearing loss in babies. This means that the earlier that hearing loss in a baby is identified and treated, the better their overall development is.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, treatment depends on the cause and severity of the baby&#8217;s hearing loss. When a baby has an ear infection, they may be given medicines such as antibiotics.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\">Other possible treatments due to the cause and severity of the hearing loss might include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>removal of wax<\/li>\n<li>hearing aids or other technology to assist hearing<\/li>\n<li>a cochlear implant for severe hearing loss<\/li>\n<li>speech and language therapy<\/li>\n<li>assistance from a specialist teacher<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Children with hearing impairment should undergo routine developmental assessments.<\/p>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/key-signs-of-speech-and-language-delays-in-your-child\">Key Signs of Speech and Language Delays in Your Child<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-can-i-do-to-help-my-baby-improve-their-hearing\" class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm8\">What can I do to help my baby improve their hearing?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"tm6\"><span class=\"tm26\">Experts recommend the following to help your baby with hearing development.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\">Check if your child can hear. See if they turn to noises or look at you when you talk. Pay attention to <\/span><strong><u><span class=\"tm7\">ear problems and infections<\/span><\/u><\/strong><span class=\"tm7\"><strong>,<\/strong> and consult with your doctor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\">Respond to your baby, pay attention. Look at them when they makes noises. Talk to them, imitate the sounds they make.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\">Laugh when your baby does. Imitate the faces they make.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\">Teach your baby to imitate actions, like peek-a-boo, clapping, blowing kisses, and waving bye-bye. This teaches them how to take turns. We take turns when we talk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\">Talk about what you do during the day. Say things like \u201cMommy is washing your hair\u201d; \u201cYou are eating peas\u201d&#8230;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\">Talk about where you go, what you do there, and who and what you see. Say things like, \u201cWe are going to Grandma\u2019s house. Grandma has a cat.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\">Teach animal sounds, like \u201cA cow says \u2018moo.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\">Read to your baby every day.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Normal tm6 tm22\"><span class=\"tm7\">Talk to your baby in the language you are most comfortable using.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"why-early-diagnosis-is-key-for-hearing-loss\" class=\"tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Why early diagnosis is key for hearing loss?<\/span><strong><span class=\"tm7\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><span class=\"tm7\">Hearing loss must be diagnosed as soon as possible. <\/span>Hearing sounds and words helps children learn to talk and understand.<\/p>\n<p>A child with hearing loss misses out on these sounds. This can cause problems with speaking, reading, school success, and social skills. It is important to have your child tested if you think they have trouble with hearing. Early diagnosis is key.<\/p>\n<p>Hearing loss in children can lead to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Delayed speech and language skills<\/li>\n<li>Learning problems in school<\/li>\n<li>Low self-esteem<\/li>\n<li>Having trouble making friends<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The most important thing you can do is to have your child&#8217;s hearing tested.<\/p>\n<p>With early help, your child might speak or use sign language just as well as children who hear.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"tm7\">You can check with family doctors, pediatricians, and well-baby clinics for hearing loss. If an impairment is detected, your child may be referred to an audiologist (hearing specialist).<\/span><\/p>\n<p>An audiologist can test your child&#8217;s hearing. They will also be able to guide you on the best way to treat your child&#8217;s hearing loss. This may include medical treatment, hearing aids, or speech and language therapy.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"Normal tm6\"><strong><span class=\"tm8\">References:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm7\"> marchofdimes.org, healthychildren.org, pregnancybirthbaby.org.au, asha.org, hopkinsmedicine.org, manchester.ac.uk, cdc.gov, webmd.com, sciencedaily.com<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Embarking on the incredible journey of language acquisition is a pivotal milestone in your baby&#8217;s growth. But, the&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":78562,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[345],"tags":[1412,1428,1419,1431,1216,1430,1336,1409,1230,1423,1422,1411,1417,1421,1415,1413,1426,1414,1418,1410,1425,1416,339,1429,1424,1292,1427,1420],"table_tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78561"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78561"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78561\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":78573,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78561\/revisions\/78573"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/78562"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78561"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=78561"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=78561"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=78561"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}