Introduction

There are three types of hearing concerns to include conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. The deaf and hard of hearing community is very diverse, differing greatly on the cause and degree of hearing loss, age at the onset, educational background, communication methods, and how they feel about their hearing loss. An auditory impairment is a reduction or defect in the ability to perceive sound. Individuals with complete hearing loss are considered deaf. An auditory impairment occurs when there’s a problem with, or damage to one or more parts of the ear. Concerns with hearing can be from a congenital defect, which is present at birth, or an acquired, which occurs in childhood or later in life. Also the impairment may be genetic, or due to the surrounding environment. The degree can vary widely from one child to the next.

 

Diagnosis

Auditory concerns and deafness are often difficult to diagnose due to a child’s inability to communicate. Screening for your child will typically take place before leaving the hospital. Other times, parents notice the child not responding to noises or verbal communication. Early intervention and diagnosis of a hearing impairment is important to the child’s overall development and this will also assist the child in learning alternative methods of communication.

 

For assistance and local referrals, call 2-1-1 today.