Hearing plays an essential role in a child’s language acquisition, overall development and social integration. If you have even the slightest doubt about your child’s hearing, consult a hearing care professional right away: early detection could avoid irreparable long-term consequences. At Marie-Josée Paul hearing clinics, we can provide you with all the information you need about how to get a diagnosis so that you may take corrective measures as soon as possible.
Main causes of hearing loss in children
The causes of infantile deafness can be divided into two primary categories.
Congenital deafness, present at birth:
- Hereditary factors
- A virus in early pregnancy (measles, mumps, chickenpox, etc.)
- Excessive drinking or drug use during pregnancy
- Some medications during pregnancy
- Obstetrical trauma
Acquired deafness, occurring after birth:
- Meningitis or encephalitis
- Chronic ear infections
- Severe case of measles or mumps
- Chemotherapy
- A trauma or accident
Symptoms of hearing loss in children
Parents and people close to the child are the best to detect hearing loss. Warning signs include:
Newborn
- Does not startle to sudden loud noises
- Sleeps too soundly
From 3 to 12 months
- Lack of variety of sounds
- Does not babble
- Does not respond to his name
From 12 to 24 months
- Does not communicate with words
- Uses gestures to communicate, not words
- Does not pay attention to anything outside of his range of vision
- Uncontrollable vocal noises
From 2 to 3 years
- Delayed language development
- Difficulty playing with others: withdraws or is agitated
After 3 years
- Delayed language development
- Behavioural problems
- Learning difficulties
Your child is suffering from hearing loss?
Our attentive hearing aid specialists will take the time to listen to you, to thoroughly understand your situation and all the problems relating to your child's hearing loss. They will then recommend solutions to meet the needs of your child. We are there, by your side, to guide you through the process and help you to see the future with peace of mind.
In Quebec, 6 full-term babies out of 1,000 are born with hearing loss.
Saint-Sauveur
68, avenue de la Gare, bureau 203
Saint-Sauveur J0R 1R0
450 227-9339