There are many possible causes of hearing loss in children.  Some causes are congenital (present at birth), while others are acquired (cause of hearing loss happens sometime after birth).  Acquired hearing loss is also known as Late Onset Hearing Loss (LOHL). 

Congenital causes of hearing loss may include:

• Genetics/Inherited
• Malformation of the outer ear, ear canal, or middle ear
• Prenatal infection, illnesses
• Toxemia during pregnancy
• Maternal diabetes
• Prematurity

Acquired causes of hearing loss may include:

• Otitis Media (ear infections)
• Collection of fluid in the middle ear
• Perforated ear drum (may be causes by untreated ear infections, head injury, blow to the ear, or from poking something in the ear)
• Blockage in the middle ear (usually caused by a build up of wax)
• Diseases, viruses, infections (including Meningitis, Measles, Mumps, Chicken Pox, Influenza, etc)
• Certain drugs and medications
• Long term exposure to loud noises
• Head trauma

The following are Risk Factors often associated with infant and childhood hearing loss.  If one or more of the items below apply, your child may be at risk for hearing loss.  If you have questions regarding any of these risk factors or feel your child is at risk for hearing loss, contact your child’s physician, the EHDI Program, or your local Child Development Center for more information and to have your child’s hearing screened.

• Family history of children with hearing loss.
• Head, face, or ears may be shaped or formed in a different way   than usual.
• Bad injury to the head (that needed medical care).
• Ear infections with fluid that last more than four months.
• Spent 48 hours or more in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
• Has a neurological disorder that is associated with hearing loss. (Check with your health care provider).
• Exposed to infection before birth.
• Infection around the brain and spinal cord caused by bacterial (Bacterial Meningitis).
• Bad jaundice (Hyperbilirubinemia) in babies that needed a special procedure (Exchange Transfusion).
• You are worried about your child’s hearing.

What Are Some Signs of Hearing Loss?

The signs and symptoms of hearing loss are different for different children.  If you see any of these signs, consult your child’s Doctor, Audiologist, Public Health Nurse, Child Development Center, or other Professional(s) you feel appropriate:

• Does not startle, move, or cry in reaction to unexpected loud noises
• Does not awaken to loud noises
• Does not turn his/her head to the source of a sound
• Pays attention to vibrating noises or noises that can be felt rather than heard
• Does not freely imitate sound
• Inconsistent response to sound
• Does not say single words such as “dada” or “mama” by 1 year of age
• Unclear speech
• Turns up sound on TV or radio
• Does not follow directions
• Does not respond when called
• Often says “huh” 

The following is a list of some things a baby with normal hearing should be able to do:

Birth to 3 Months of Age:

• Blinks or jumps when there is a sudden, loud noise
• Quiets or smiles when spoken to
• Makes sounds like “ohh” and “ahh”

3 to 6 Months of Age:

• Looks for sounds with eyes
• Starts babbling
• Uses many sounds, squeals, and chuckles

6 to 9 Months of Age:

• Turns head toward loud sounds
• Understands “no-no” or “bye-bye”
• Babbles, for example “ba-ba”, “ma-ma” and “ga-ga”

9 to 12 Months of Age:

• Repeats simple words and sounds you make
• Correctly uses “ma-ma” or “da-da”
• Responds to singing or music
• Points to favorite toys and objects when asked

Childhood Noise Risks:

As a parent/caregiver, it is important to do what you can to keep your child’s ears healthy. 
One way to do this is to monitor the noise levels that your child is exposed to. 
Even brief exposure to loud sounds can result in permanent hearing loss.   

If your child is exposed to loud noises such as these, hearing protection devises such as ear plugs should be used.    

Loud Toys
Concerts/Music Events
Personal Stereos
Sporting Events
Band Class
Motorbikes
Shop Class
Arcades
Farm Equipment
Firearms
Firecrackers/Fireworks