In case of suspected hearing loss in children, it is critical to have a hearing test without wasting time. Experts point out that in cases where surgical or medical intervention is insufficient, the use of hearing aids has extremely positive results in terms of communication skills and mental development of children.
One of the topics that should be focused on child health is undoubtedly hearing health. It is of critical importance to closely monitor the hearing health of children from birth, in order to prevent further problems in later life. Making evaluations on the subject, May Hearing Instrument Specialist and Audiologist Mehmet Tarık Kaya reminded that hearing tests are performed for newborns in Türkiye under the leadership of the Ministry of Health. Kaya said, “Neonatal hearing screening is a very reliable and accurate method to define the hearing status of the infant. However, when the baby does not pass the first screening test, this is not enough to determine that he has hearing loss. Hearing screening is repeated after a specified time. If it still fails, the test is done again after a short while, and if the baby does not pass this test, then a further hearing evaluation is indicated. With this situation, a detailed hearing evaluation should be completed at the latest in the 3rd month of the baby, who is followed up by the doctor and audiologist at frequent intervals.”
Factors that cause hearing problems in children
Stating that there may be many different causes of hearing health problems that may occur in infants and children, Kaya said, “Premature birth, low birth weight, lack of oxygen at birth, staying in the neonatal intensive care unit, infections of the mother during pregnancy, birth traumas, neonatal jaundice that requires exchange transfusion, The use of ototoxic drugs that cause damage to the inner ear and genetic factors can be counted among these reasons.
What symptoms does it present?
Explaining that the earlier the children with hearing loss are diagnosed and intervened, the faster the developmental differences with their peers can be closed, Kaya listed the symptoms of hearing loss that may occur during infancy and childhood as follows, “After 6 months of age, they do not consciously return to the source of sounds.1 They cannot say simple single words like ‘mama’ or ‘dad’ until they are older. Speech does not develop according to age or speech disorders occur. They often say ‘heh, what did you say?’ They turn the TV volume up too much” Kaya also recommended that children should not stay in extremely noisy environments for long periods of time, and if they stay, they should use ear protectors, that is, special earmolds during these periods.
Personal ear protection available
Noting that families should have their children get a hearing test without losing time, before starting school or when there is any question mark about hearing, Hearing Instrument Specialist and Audiologist Mehmet Tarık Kaya said, “The use of hearing aids in hearing loss without medical or surgical treatment removes the barriers and communication problems caused by hearing loss. Choosing the right hearing aid depends on the degree of hearing loss and the child’s hearing needs. Cochlear implant is the most suitable solution for severe and severe hearing loss where hearing aids are not sufficient. In our May Hearing Centers, there are both standard pediatric ear protectors and personalized ear protectors.” Kaya informed that in addition to the existing hearing aids, wireless FM and microphone systems facilitate communication between children with hearing problems and their parents.
