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Three Common Causes of Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is more common in older adults. However, anyone can experience the condition, including infants. Let’s look at a few common causes of infant hearing loss and what signs to look out for as a parent.
Genetics Is the Leading Cause of Infant Hearing Loss
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), genetics are responsible for hearing loss in 50-60% of children who have the condition. However, just because genetics is often a cause does not mean that parents must also have hearing loss. In many cases, both parents have normal hearing, and one or both are simply carriers of a gene that causes hearing loss.
Hearing loss caused by genetics can be present at birth or may develop as the child gets older.
Infections Can Cause Infant Hearing Loss During Pregnancy
There are several infections that cause or increase the risk of infant hearing loss. Some of these infections happen to the mother while she is pregnant. Specifically, an infection known as cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a big risk to the hearing health of newborn babies. While many women with the infection are asymptomatic, any who experience swollen lymph nodes, fatigue or other flu-like symptoms should be tested for CMV just in case.
Other infections such as toxoplasmosis, German measles, and mumps can all cause hearing loss in children. In the case of mumps, the risk occurs when a child is infected as opposed to the mother during pregnancy. While these can’t always be prevented, making sure both mother and child are vaccinated can protect against some viruses.
Some Medications Can Damage Ears
Certain medications are ototoxic, which means they can damage the ears and lead to problems like tinnitus, dizziness and hearing loss. There are over 200 drugs that are classified as ototoxic and they should be avoided during pregnancy, if possible. However, certain life-saving antibiotics may be necessary in the case of serious infections, even though they run the risk of permanent hearing loss.
Does My Baby Have Hearing Loss?
Most cases of infant hearing loss are diagnosed during universal screenings done right after the child is born. However, some cases of hearing loss don’t develop until infants and children are a bit older. If you’ve noticed that your child doesn’t seem to respond to your voice or startle when there’s a loud noise at Kilmarnock Town Centre Park, schedule an appointment for a hearing test.
If your baby has hearing loss, they will likely be treated with pediatric hearing aids. In cases of severe or profound hearing loss, an audiologist may recommend cochlear implants once your child is a little older.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call The Audiology Offices today.
