As a parent, the last thing you want to hear is that your kid has hearing loss. The ability to perceive sound is important for children as they need to develop speech and language skills. So, what can you do? What you can do right now is become informed. These are the 5 most important things parents need to know about hearing loss.
Hearing loss in children can be temporary
So, your kid isn’t able to hear anymore. You’ll be happy to hear that this situation isn’t necessarily a permanent one. Hearing loss is quite common in children and, more often than not, it’s temporary. A great percentage of kids have an episode of hearing loss. The reason why your kid can’t perceive sound is that they have a middle-ear infection. What happens is that the infection blocks the passage of the sound. If you have reason to suspect that your child is suffering from otitis, take them to a doctor immediately. If the infection isn’t treated on time, the damage could be permanent. Another thing that can cause temporary hearing loss is earwax buildup. That one is easier to solve.
Many children have hearing loss
Unfortunately, hearing loss is quite common in children. It has been estimated that about 5 out of 1000 children suffer from this health condition. It’s safe to say that hearing loss is prevailing. But should the prevalence of hearing loss concern us? Actually, it should. You mayn’t realize it, but the physical impairment is negatively affecting the life of your kid. Not only is it almost impossible to function, but also the person can’t hear approaching danger, like say a car. The point is that your child is affected, but so is society. The good news is that hearing loss can be treated. Popular treatments include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and brainstem implants.
You can help your child with hearing loss
There is something you can do, besides taking your child to see a specialist. First thing you need to do is communicate with the young one as much as possible. You as well as other family members have to act like nothing has happened and make efforts to interact with the kid. It’s necessary to look the child in the eye and speak clearly. Don’t even think about shouting from another room. This won’t help anyone.
Equally important is to accept the fact that your kid may never be the same. This is the toughest thing yet. Even though your child has health problems, this doesn’t mean that there are necessarily fewer opportunities. Treatments for hearing loss, such as hearing aids, allow sufferers to lead a normal life. So, your kid will be able to make friends or get a good education. Things mayn’t have turned out the way you hoped, but there’s no reason for despair.
Last but not least, support your child every step of the way. The journey isn’t going to be an easy one, which is the reason why you need to be supportive. Have patience and say only positive things.
