What are the causes of hearing loss in children?
Hearing-impaired children can experience hearing loss due to a variety of causes, including: • Glue ear ( Otitis media). This ear inflammation, deep in the ear, occurs often in young children because their ear canals are not fully developed. Fluid builds up behind the eardrum and can become infected. Even if there is no pain or infection, the fluid can impair hearing if it stays there – at least temporarily. In severe and chronic cases, glue ear can lead to permanent hearing loss. • Congenital factors. Some hearing-impaired children are born with hearing problems – either as a result of genetic factors or because of prenatal or childbirth problems. More than half of all congenital hearing problems in children are due to genetics. Hearing loss can also result when a pregnant woman develops certain conditions such as diabetes or toxaemia. Premature birth also raises a child’s risk of hearing problems. • Acquired hearing loss. A variety of conditions can trigger hearing problems in young
