Hearing loss in children is a significant concern in Canada. 3 out of every 1,000 children experience hearing loss at birth and approximately 6 out of every 1,000 children experience hearing loss by the age of 18.

Congenital Hearing Loss

Congenital hearing loss, which is present at birth, can be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors.

Common causes include:

Genetic Factors: Genetic mutations and inherited conditions can lead to congenital hearing loss. About 50-60% of cases are due to genetic factors, with some children inheriting the condition from their parents, even if the parents do not have hearing loss themselves.

Infections During Pregnancy: Maternal infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes, and syphilis can affect the developing fetus and result in hearing loss.

Premature Birth and Complications: Babies born prematurely or with a low birth weight are at higher risk of hearing loss. Complications such as jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) or lack of oxygen (hypoxia) during birth can also contribute.

Ototoxic Medications: Certain medications taken by the mother during pregnancy, such as some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can be toxic to the developing ears of the fetus.

Birth Trauma: Difficult or traumatic deliveries that result in physical injuries to the baby’s head can lead to congenital hearing loss.

Acquired Hearing Loss

Acquired hearing loss in children occurs after birth and can result from various factors, including:

Infections: Ear infections, measles, mumps, meningitis, and chickenpox can damage the structures of the ear and lead to hearing loss.

Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as from music, fireworks, or machinery, can damage the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss.

Ototoxic Medications: Certain medications, such as some antibiotics (aminoglycosides) and chemotherapy drugs, can be toxic to the inner ear and cause hearing loss.

Head Injuries: Trauma to the head can damage the structures of the ear, leading to hearing loss.

Chronic Ear Infections: Repeated ear infections can cause persistent fluid buildup or damage to the ear structures, resulting in hearing loss.

Other Medical Conditions: Diseases such as mumps, encephalitis, and kidney disease can also contribute to hearing loss in children.

Environmental Factors: Exposure to toxins like lead or mercury can also affect hearing.

Signs of Hearing Loss in Children

Understanding whether your child has a hearing problem is important as hearing loss can impact language development, academic performance, and social interactions. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve their ability to learn and communicate effectively. Here are some things to look for to determine if your child might have a hearing issue:

• Observe your child’s responses to sounds and conversations. Infants should startle to loud noises and turn their heads toward familiar voices by around six(6) months. Older children should respond appropriately when called or when there is a noise behind them.
• Pay attention to their speech and language development. Delayed speech or unclear pronunciation might indicate difficulty hearing and processing sounds correctly. Children with hearing problems may also struggle with understanding instructions or following conversations.
• Watch for behavioral cues. If your child often asks for things to be repeated, turns up the volume on electronic devices excessively, or seems unusually inattentive, it could be a sign of hearing difficulties. They may also exhibit frustration, withdrawal, or have difficulty socializing, as they struggle to hear and engage with others.
• Monitor their performance in school. Poor academic progress, especially in areas heavily reliant on listening and auditory comprehension, such as reading and language subjects, could suggest an underlying hearing issue.

Regular hearing testing is critical for early detection. In Canada newborns are typically screened for hearing loss shortly after birth and children should be tested routinely throughout life. Click here for guidelines on when to have your child’s hearing assessed. 

If you suspect a hearing problem in your child, seek assessment by a registered audiologist promptly. An audiologist can conduct comprehensive assessments to determine the nature and extent of any hearing loss. Early intervention, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, can lessen the impact of hearing loss on your child’s development.

At Clayton Park Audiology we can provide audiological testing for children ages four(4) and up. To schedule an appointment with one of our registered audiologists please call (902) 405-0515 or use our online booking system. For children under the age of four(4) , parents can self-refer their child to Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia.