Hearing loss in children—what to do?
Hearing loss in children
Hearing plays a vital role in language development, overall growth, and social interaction. If you have any concerns about your child’s hearing, it’s important to get an evaluation early on to avoid potential long-term issues. At Marie-Josée Paul hearing clinics, our hearing care professionals are ready to walk you through the steps needed to obtain a diagnosis and implement effective solutions as soon as possible.
Main causes of hearing loss in children
Hearing loss in children falls into two categories:
Congenital hearing loss (present at birth):
- Hereditary factors
- Viral infections during the first trimester of pregnancy (e.g., chickenpox, mumps, measles)
- Drug or alcohol exposure and certain medications
- Birth trauma
Acquired hearing loss (develops after birth):
- Meningitis or encephalitis
- Chronic ear infections
- Severe measles or mumps
- Chemotherapy
- Head trauma or accident
Signs to watch for
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in detecting early hearing loss. Signs include:
First months:
- No reaction to sounds
- Sleeps too soundly
3-12 months:
- Lack of cooing sounds
- Does not babble
- Does not respond to their name
12-24 months:
- Does not communicate with words
- Only uses gestures to communicate
- Does not respond to sounds out of their field of vision
- Uncontrollable vocal sounds
2-3 years:
- Delayed language development
- Social withdrawal or hyperactivity
After age 3:
- Delayed language development
- Learning difficulties
- Behavioral issues
Has your child been diagnosed with hearing loss?
In Quebec, 6 out of 1,000 full-term newborns are born with hearing loss.
Our compassionate and attentive hearing care professionals will support you by providing information, answering your questions, and recommending hearing solutions tailored to your child’s needs. We’re here to help you navigate this journey with confidence.
One of our hearing care professionals must conduct a thorough evaluation to help you select the right hearing aid.