Deafness in infants – what you need to know

Deafness in infants – what you need to know
Everything about hearing loss in infants -- causes, tests, treatments and prevention, explained by an expert.

What are the causes of hearing loss in kids?

It goes without saying that if you, your parents or grandparents suffered from hearing problems or hearing loss, then there is a high chance that your kid might be at risk. Apart from genetic factors, here are few common causes of hearing loss in kids you need to be aware of -

There is a high risk that viral infection can affect the child, if you suffer from one during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. If you were exposed to X-rays when pregnant, then it is wise to test the baby for hearing loss as the radiation can affect the hearing ability of the growing fetus. The chances of hearing loss or deafness are high in women suffering from hypothyroidism during pregnancy–a condition in which there is a deficiency of thyroid hormones. Infants with low birth weight and those with severe neonatal jaundice might suffer from hearing loss. Here’s more on hearing loss or deafness: 7 facts you ought to know.

How to know that the kid is having hearing problems?

Dr Tripti says parents do not get to know about hearing loss in infants as there are no visible signs or ways in which an infant can reveal. However, doctors perform a neonatal screening test to determine if the kid can hear on the very next day after birth. In fact, it is the 1 sttest that most hospitals carry out. Known as ASSR or auditory steady state response screening test, it is a non-invasive test that requires 5 minutes. A handheld gadget that has electrodes is placed on the forehead and behind the ears. The device measures brain activity as the infant listens to sounds with different frequency and intensity. In some cases, doctors repeat the test once more in a month to confirm the results. Till the doctor is convinced about the results, the parents are asked to repeat the test.

Apart from test response, parents can test baby’s reflexes for noises like checking whether the baby can respond or turn toward the loud sound of the rattle or loud sounds. If the baby can’t hear for the first few months and if you have a doubt that the baby doesn’t respond normally to reflexes, consult a doctor. Another important cue that parents can look out in an infant is keeping a tab on the development of the baby. In most cases, kids in the age group of one – one and half years start speaking with little proficiency in speech and language. Your doctor will conduct a series of tests to confirm the condition. Here’s what to expect during the first year of your child’s life.

What are the tests done to test deafness in infants?

While ASSR is a quick, inexpensive and non-invasive audiological test that is done at birth to detect hearing loss in infants, there are other tests that are done to confirm the diagnosis. These include –

BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry): A non-invasive audiological test, it detects the electrical activity from the inner ear.

Tympanometry: A type of audiological test, this involves examining the function of the middle ear and mobility of the eardrum.

Apart from audiological tests, your doctor might recommend radiological tests like MRI of the brain and CT scanof the ear to detect the exact cause of the deafness. Depending on the severity of the condition, he might recommend treatment options — hearing aids or surgery.

How to treat deafness in infants?

The only way to treat deafness in infants is with the help of hearing aidsor cochlear implant. This is mostly the treatment approach for congenital deafness, deafness present from birth, which is due to an underlying nerve defect. In most cases, this can be treated with hearing aids. If the kid shows improvement with hearing aids, then there is no need to undergo the surgery. However, if there is no improvement in the condition, then surgery might be recommended.

If the kid suffers from conductive deafness, which is due to an underlying problem in the ear canal, ear drum or middle ear, then it might require medications. This could be due to accumulation of fluid in the ear, in which treating the condition shows improvement in the hearing ability. However, in some cases, even this might need surgery.

Can you prevent hearing loss in infants?

You can prevent deafness in infants by stay away from factors that increase your risk of infections during pregnancy. Also, if you suffer from an infection, especially during the 1 sttrimester then do visit a doctor and get treated immediately. Also, make sure your thyroid levels are well in control during pregnancy. Say no to X-ray and CT scan during 1 sttrimester as these are known to increase the risk of deafness in infants. Also, carefully monitor newborn babies for infections to lower the possibility of hearing problems.

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