Regular check-ups with a pediatrician are an important part of helping to ensure your child is a healthy child. A hearing screening should also be included in your child's well-child care regimen.
Hearing loss is a common birth defect. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 newborns suffers from hearing loss. Yet, until a few years ago, only newborns who were deemed "high risk" for hearing loss were tested before they left the hospital. However, follow-up research indicated that about 50 percent of infants with significant hearing loss were not being identified. Since they did not fall into the "high risk" category, they were not tested.
Many states now require by law that newborns undergo a hearing test before being discharged from the hospital. Other states require that new parents be given information on hearing loss and testing. These strategies have been effective in increasing the number of infants who receive hearing tests. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2005, 91.5 percent of the almost 4 million infants born in the United States received hearing tests.
Hearing tests on infants are easily done and non-invasive. One such test is the brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER). This test is performed while the infant is asleep. Several electrodes are placed on the baby's head to measure changes in electrical activity (EEG) of the brain in response to sound.
There are several risk factors which may contribute to hearing loss in infants younger than 28 days old.
- Family history of childhood sensoineural (inner ear) hearing loss
- Exposure to infections in-utero such as rubella, herpes, syphilis or toxoplasmosis
- Low birth weight (less than 3.3 pounds or 1500 grams)
- Extremely high bilirubin levels after birth
- Craniofacial anomalies
For infants from 29 days old to 2 years old, other factors could contribute to hearing loss.
- Bacterial meningitis or other infections
- Head trauma that leads to loss of consciousness or skull fracture
- Recurrent ear infections (otitis media)
With early detection, preferably within the first six months, many hearing problems can be treated or interventions, such as hearing aids or sign language, can be introduced to promote language and cognitive skills.
Detecting hearing problems early is important because several aspects of a child's development are directly linked to the child's ability to communicate with others, including speech development.
When you're making well-child appointments for your infant or child, don't forget to ask about having a hearing screening.
Phyllis Edson is a trained journalist and professional writer in Kansas City. She has written on a variety of topics including government, politics, policy, health care, fitness, health and banking to name a few. Visit her website at http://www.prowritingandresearch.yolasite.com or contact her at phyllis.edson@comcast.net.
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