As parents, we joke about selective hearing in our kids, but what do you do if you suspect they really might not be hearing you?
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“It’s important to let your doctor know if you suspect any difficulty with your child’s hearing,” says Samantha Anne, MD, Medical Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Pediatric Ear and Hearing Disorders program. She says some issues can be temporary or more serious — or even permanent. It’s important to investigate as soon as you notice an issue.
Does any of this sound familiar: Your child constantly asks you to repeat things or she says, “Huh?” a lot. She has been moved to the front row because she isn’t paying attention in class. Or your toddler isn’t talking quite as well as other children his age. These signs all could point to the same issue — hearing loss.
Dr. Anne offers insights into what might cause your child’s hearing loss and options for treatment.
Temporary hearing loss typically resolves within a few months. Possible causes include:
Several more serious issues can cause permanent hearing loss. Possibilities include:
Talk to your pediatrician if you think your child may have a hearing problem. If treatment is available — or if you can take steps to limit the damage — it’s always better to find out sooner rather than later.
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