Can Hearing Disability in Children be Overcome?

Hearing loss is the partial or whole loss of hearing in one or both ears. Noise, ageing, illness, and inheritance can all contribute to hearing loss, which is a frequent issue.

Some children have a hearing disability since birth and some experience this condition as the aftermath of a traumatic event. The state of the impairment can vary from patient to patient ranging from temporary hearing loss to permanent disability.

1. Congenital Causes
   When a child is diagnosed with hearing disabilities since birth, the term Congenital hearing loss is used actively. The congenital condition can either be hereditary or originate from other events during the prenatal stage and at the time of birth. More than 50% of congenital cases have a genetic disorder causing the condition. The genetic diseases are classified as follows:
   1. Autosomal Dominant Hearing Loss - When one parent transfers the dominant gene for hearing loss (typically, the parent(s) also experience loss in hearing), it accounts for Autosomal Dominant Hearing Loss. When a dominant gene is transferred, there is approximately a 50% chance that the child will have future implications.
   2. Autosomal Recessive Hearing Loss - There is a chance of parents carrying a recessive gene for hearing loss even if their hearing abilities are perfectly aligned. In this case, the events of the child experiencing trouble with hearing reduce to 25%.
   3. X-Linked Hearing Loss - Sometimes, mothers transfer a recessive gene for hearing loss on the sex chromosome. This situation can only occur in male patients since the mother cannot share the recessive gene with a female child.
      ​​​​​​​Apart from the conditions mentioned above, a few other genetic disorders initiate hearing loss as one of the consequences. These include:
      1. Down Syndrome 
      2. Usher Syndrome
      3. Crouzon Syndrome
      4. Treacher Collins Syndrome 
      5. Alport Syndrome 
          
2. Non-Hereditary Causes
   There are plenty of other reasons for congenital hearing loss which are not hereditary. These include:
   1. Prenatal infections
   2. Toxin consumption during pregnancy
   3. Premature delivery
   4. Toxaemia (at the time of pregnancy)
   5. Anoxia (lack of oxygen)
       
3. Acquired Causes
   Every child experiencing a hearing loss except for the above-mentioned congenital reasons can be a patient of acquired hearing loss. The condition can be triggered by fatal diseases, high-impact injuries, and even chronic conditions that affect other body parts. A few of the most prominent acquired causes include:
   1. Otitis Media (severe ear infection)
   2. Ototoxic drugs intake
   3. Meningitis
   4. Measles, Mumps, and Chicken Pox
   5. Impactful head injury
   6. High decibel noise exposure

The prognosis of a medical expert holds utmost importance in selecting the proper treatment for a child facing difficulty in sound reception. While many ways can help the child, here are some ways to help in battling hearing disability.

1. Hearing Aids
   Hearing aids are one of the most sought-after solutions in the market right now. Many of these devices are available that cater to different classes of patients. Multiple options for children with high-intensity hearing loss come with unique features, such as high-quality hearing assistance.
   The children-friendly solutions also offer extra benefits, such as unique coverings to avoid invasion by the patient. The parents get to opt for the proper design of the device owing to the vast array of choices, including behind-the-ear hearing solutions to the ones at the ear canal's threshold.
    
2. Cochlear Implants
   Cochlear Implants are responsible for stimulating the auditory nerve through stimulation generated electrically. It is inserted post successful surgery. These implants operate with the help of an external device, which is supposed to be worn by the patient.
   For toddlers and young children, companies have developed child-friendly headbands that are comfortable and safe.
   Note: A Cochlear Implant works collectively with the auditory nerve. However, an auditory brainstem implant is required if the auditory nerve is extremely small or absent. This implant bypasses the inner ear and hearing nerve to kindle the hearing pathways in the brainstem directly.
    
3. Bone Anchored Hearing Aid
   There is a specific group of child patients that have a crooked middle ear or outer ear structure. These patients face difficulty wearing an external headband and are more suited for a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid. 
   The Bone Anchored Hearing Aid is a prosthetic device surgically implanted in the inner ear to send out vibrations directly while in direct contact with the skull bones.
    
4. Speech Therapy
   In the case of children falling under the age group (0-3), catching up on learning a language can pose many restrictions. During this situation, speech therapy helps solidify the patient's morale by allowing them to learn and use a language.
    
5. Family Support Services
   The parents must maintain their composure to provide the right amount of strength. Many support services help the parents through transitionary support, therapy sessions, mentorship, and even forging a bond with their child.

1. FM System
   A frequency modulation system or an FM system helps the patient to hear appropriately with the help of a microphone and receiver. This system is added as an accessory to the hearing aid/cochlear implant and works best with more background noises. The clear voice input of the speaker is directly transmitted to the receiver so that the patient can understand and respond without any external help from another human being.
    
2. Captioning
   Most audio files come with captions so the users can read the text if they face problems with hearing.
    
3. FM System
   A frequency modulation system or an FM system helps the patient to hear appropriately with the help of a microphone and receiver. This system is added as an accessory to the hearing aid/cochlear implant and works best with more background noises. 
   The clear voice input of the speaker is directly transmitted to the receiver so that the patient can understand and respond without any external help from another human being.
    
4. Captioning
   Most audio files come with captions so the users can read the text if they face problems with hearing.

Temporary hearing loss is possible. There are also technologies, medicines, and other treatments available to aid when it is not. A child's hearing can be enhanced through tools like cochlear implants and hearing aids. Hearing difficulty can directly affect an individual's confidence, but the experts at HexaHealth are equipped to deal with such situations and provide valuable input. The ever-expanding team has been adding multi-specialist doctors to the roster so that every query can be answered perfectly and meticulously. 

Connect with a HexaHealth expert today, and take the following steps with the proper guidance!