My Child Has Hearing Loss – A Guide for Parents

Finding out that your child has a hearing difficulty may scare you and leave you feeling confused and with many questions. Don’t worry, you are not alone. Most parents faced the same feelings at first.

The first step is to gather as much information as you can about the hearing problem you are experiencing and the solutions available to you. It is important to know as much as you can so that you can make the best decision for your child.

The early years in a child’s life are crucial as they are in the process of learning to speak and also socialising. It is important to help your child as early as possible so that the information they receive is not reduced or distorted. Technology in today’s world offers many options for supporting your child to have a successful path in their education and in their daily life.

Once a diagnosis has been made, the doctor will inform you of the degree of hearing loss and the type of hearing loss. Hearing ability is assessed using the following methods:

• Objective methods: Objective Objectives. These tests are performed on newborns, infants and very young children and are brief, painless and accurate.

• Auditory behaviour tests: In young children who cannot cooperate with a standard hearing test, special tests can be done through play and observation to assess their auditory ability.

• Hearing tests: This involves measuring hearing with an audiograph (audiogram) in children who can cooperate and give clear answers to the questions asked. The audiogram is given sounds of different frequencies and intensities and the child must respond to them. In this way the level of hearing loss is clearly recorded.

Degrees of hearing loss

The degree of hearing loss is classified as mild, moderate, severe, profound, very severe and residual hearing loss. Your doctor or hearing care professional can give you more information and suggest appropriate solutions.

Normal hearing: loss up to 20 dB

Mild hearing loss: 20-45 dB loss

Moderate hearing loss: 45-60 dB loss

Severe hearing loss: 60-75 dB loss

Very severe hearing loss: 75-90 dB loss

Residual hearing loss: loss of 90 dB or more

How can I help my child?

If your child is experiencing or you suspect that he or she has a hearing difficulty, you should consult the appropriate professionals who will provide you with information and guidance.

ENT doctor: this is the doctor who specialises in conditions of the ears, nose and throat and is the doctor who will carry out the necessary tests to determine whether there is a hearing loss.
Hearing care specialist: This is the specialist professional for fitting and adjusting hearing aids and the one who will recommend the most suitable solution.
Speech and language therapist: Will provide support regarding speech assessment and rehabilitation.

Support and advice on the best solution.

With the use of the right technology, there is no longer a child with a hearing impairment who cannot benefit.

• Hearing aids: Usually hearing aids are the ones that are tried first and, as mentioned earlier, the sooner they are fitted, the greater the benefit to your child. In choosing the right hearing aids, you will be guided by your trusted hearing care professional who will recommend the most suitable hearing aids according to the degree of hearing loss, age and the needs of your child’s daily life. You can read more about the types of hearing aids by clicking here.

• Cochlear implants: In cases with very severe hearing loss to residual hearing loss, a cochlear implant may be recommended by your doctor. This is a medical device that is surgically implanted and is recommended in cases where you cannot benefit enough from hearing aids.

The most certain thing is that you don’t have to worry! All you have to do is trust your health professionals. With their proper guidance, support and your own care and encouragement, restoring your child’s hearing is truly possible!