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?
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
“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.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Care for your ears by steering clear of cotton swabs, taking precautions in loud settings and seeking medical help when needed
There are lots of tips, tricks and assistive devices out there that can help
Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable
Four steps to getting the perfect hearing aids for your lifestyle
The quicker you seek treatment, the better
Learn how to help encourage a better quality of life
Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity
A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses
Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey