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Outlined below are
factors indicating that a child is at risk for a hearing loss.
Newborns – birth
to 28 days
- Family history
of hereditary childhood sensorineural hearing loss
- In utero infection,
such as cytomegalovirus, rubella, syphilis, herpes and toxoplasmosis
- Craniofacial
deformities including those affecting the pinna and ear canal
- Birth weight
less than 1500 grams
- Hyperbilirubinemia
at a serum level requiring transfusion
- Ototoxic medications,
including aminoglycosides used in multiple courses or in combination
with loop diuretics
- Bacterial
meningitis
- Apgar scores
of 0-4 at 1 minute or 0-6 at 5 minutes after birth
- Mechanical
ventilation lasting 5 days or longer
- Findings associated
with syndromes known to include sensorineural hearing loss
Infants – 29
days to 2 years
- Concern regarding
communication or developmental delay
- Bacterial
meningitis or other infections known to cause sensorineural
hearing loss
- Head trauma
associated with loss of consciousness or skull fracture
- Ototoxic medications,
including chemotherapeutic agents or aminoglycosidess used in
combination with loop diuretics
- Findings associated
with a syndrome known to include sensorineural hearing loss
- Otitis media
with effusion for three months or longer
Noise Exposure
One of the most common, and yet completely preventable, causes
of permanent sensorineural hearing loss is noise exposure. High
levels of noise can cause temporary or permanent damage to the
sensory hair cells within the cochlea. Vehicles, appliances and
stereos, all produce noise, which may be detrimental to hearing,
depending on how close the noise source is and the length of exposure.
In addition, some toys or computer games and certainly rock music
concerts may damage hearing.
Children should be taught the dangers of noise
exposure and instructed to use ear protection when necessary.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Sometimes a combination of factors occurs which affects both the
middle ear and the inner ear (cochlea), resulting in a mixed hearing
loss.
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