You should seek an evaluation if a child:
Has unclear speech or delayed language development.
Frequently asks “huh?” or “what?”.
Watches TV at elevated volumes.
Has difficulty hearing when there is background noise.
You should seek an evaluation if a child:
Has unclear speech or delayed language development.
Frequently asks “huh?” or “what?”.
Watches TV at elevated volumes.
Has difficulty hearing when there is background noise.
Key risk factors include prematurity, low birth weight, a NICU stay longer than 5 days, family history, and in utero infections like CMV or rubella.
Approximately 1 in every 1,000 children is born with hearing loss. About 50-60% of these cases are attributed to genetics.
Causes range from simple issues like earwax (cerumen) blockage or infections to permanent sensorineural loss, aging (Presbycusis), genetics, head trauma, and noise exposure.
A primary sign is feeling like people are frequently mumbling or having difficulty following conversations.
Untreated hearing loss is highly correlated with serious health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, depression, cognitive decline, and social isolation.
It is very common; by age 65, about 1 in 3 individuals have some type of hearing loss. However, only about 30% of those affected actually seek help.
