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Hearing Loss In Children: What You Need To Know |
By:
Alvint Toh |
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Hearing Loss In Children: What You Need To Know
Alvint Toh
Hearing loss does not only affect people approaching old age. It is also prevalent in children. In fact, hearing loss is being detected in children at a younger age than ever before.
Type of hearing loss
The most common type of hearing loss among children is called sensorineural which occurs due to damage of the inner ear. The damage can be caused by an infection, injury or most commonly, through exposure to loud noise. This type of damage cannot be repaired.
Although sensorineural hearing loss cannot improve, it doesn't get worse either. The person has difficulty hearing softer sounds which can impair the ability to comprehend speech. This type of hearing loss can be corrected by using hearing aids. The other types of hearing loss are conductive and mixed. Conductive hearing loss occurs when the sound cannot be conducted through to the inner ear. Surgery can usually correct this type of hearing loss. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
What causes hearing loss in children
Most hearing loss in children is not actually caused by genetics, but by loud noises. You may or may not have control over the noises.
Loud music, especially music played through headphones can damage the ears easily. Many children have been found to suffer from hearing loss caused by listening to very loud noises. Listening to loud music for over 10 minutes can cause permanent hearing loss. If your children listen to loud music consider telling them to turn it down a little.
Another similar cause of hearing loss is playing musical instruments too loudly. It is found that playing and practicing in a school band or orchestra can actually cause hearing loss. This is true when the music is practiced in an enclosed area. The National Association for Music Education (MENC) even issued a statement that educators need to recognize music as a cause of noise-induced hearing loss.
How can this be resolved?
The most important thing you can do as a parent is to become aware of the hazards of noise-induced hearing loss. Familiarize yourself with the causes of hearing loss and teach your children to take preventative measures.
First you should try to determine the safe volume level of mp3 players and other audio devices which your children listen with headphones. Make sure you listen to the music yourself so that you can decide what a safe volume is.
If your children are being exposed to loud noises, encourage them to wear earplugs. They should wear ear plugs while cutting the grass or practicing in the band.
You should be cautious and apply common sense when setting safe volume limits for your children. Make sure they understand the importance of taking care of their hearing and how loud noises can be detrimental to their ears.
Hearing aids can be used for certain types of http://www.abouthearingaid.com/uaw-3) hearing loss in children. Behind the ear hearing aids are the most common type used by children with hearing problems. Check out our http://www.abouthearingaid.com/uaw-3) hearing aid reviews and resources at www.abouthearingaid.com/home
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Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article67830.html |
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