Hearing loss is one of the most common forms of disability in the population. It is common not only in the elderly, but also in children and infants. This means that many parents have to face the reality of their child's or infant's hearing loss.
If you are a parent facing this challenge, the sheer scope of work to be done can seem overwhelming. Not only do you have to discover a whole new world that may be unfamiliar to you, but you have to do so while advocating for your child, who may not yet be old enough to do so themselves.
“Children’s hearing aids are essential to a child’s growth and development. Without appropriate hearing aids, children can feel isolated and left out. Most children see their academic results improve when they hear better.” — Drew Sutton, MD, board-certified otolaryngologist.
The good news is that with this condition affecting a large part of the population, you are not alone and many resources are available to you. The most important thing is to understand that your child needs patience and support while you learn to provide them with the best treatment and care.
Is there a difference between adult and child hearing loss?
The short answer is no, there is no difference. For the most part, everyone is affected by the three main types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. To find out what type of hearing loss your child has, specific tests performed by an audiologist will be required to make a diagnosis.
Suppose you are unfamiliar with the different types of hearing loss. In that case, it may be helpful to know the basics to better understand your child's condition and diagnosis.
Conductive Hearing Loss
The ear consists of three distinct and highly functional compartments: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Each plays a very important role in the hearing process, and conductive hearing loss occurs when a physical obstruction, of whatever kind, appears in these compartments.
This can be as benign as a buildup of earwax or as concerning as inflammation of the inner ear due to an autoimmune disease. The degree of hearing loss experienced with conductive loss also varies greatly. An affected person may have a very mild impairment, where sounds simply seem a little muffled. At the same time, another person with conductive loss may have an enlarged eardrum that prevents sound from entering the tympanic cavity properly.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
The majority of hearing loss affecting children is sensorineural. This type of hearing loss is related to the neurological functions of the auditory process. It primarily affects the inner ear and its ability to properly convert sound waves that pass through the ears into electrical impulses.
There are many causes of sensorineural hearing loss. However, most causes of hearing loss in children remain unknown. People with a treatable form of sensorineural hearing loss will generally be referred for hearing aids. If the case is more severe, cochlear implants are another common treatment.
Coping with a Hearing Loss Diagnosis
Even if your child may have the same type of hearing loss as an adult, it does not mean that the procedures are identical.
The biggest difference is the level of support your child needs. In adults, understanding the process or stages of hearing loss facilitates the adoption of new devices like hearing aids or cochlear implants; but this may not be obvious for a child.
Children's Hearing Aids
When it comes to children's hearing aids, the same main styles as for adults are found. The choice you make for your child will, however, depend on different factors. Let's start by looking at these four common hearing aid styles you will have to choose from.
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
In-the-ear hearing aids, or ITEs, are the larger of the two subcategories of hearing aids that fit in the ear canal. They sit in the concha of the ear and are easily visible. These hearing aids are generally used for moderate to severe hearing loss. They can also pack more processing power than other forms of hearing aids.
In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
This is the second category of hearing aids that fit in the ear, usually much smaller. There are also two subcategories: in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids and completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids. The main difference is size. ITCs are slightly larger and visible when worn. However, they are still less bulky than ITEs. CICs are the smallest hearing aids available; they are generally referred to as invisible hearing aids because they can be worn discreetly.
These are generally the most problematic for children, followed by ITE models. In-the-canal hearing aids not only have the problem of being small and difficult to put in and take out, but they also do not offer the processing power of other styles. Their small size comes at a price: they generally cover mild to moderate hearing loss.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
These hearing aids, also called BTEs, are by far among the most popular and well-known on the market. They come in two main styles depending on the location of the receiver—the microphone that picks up sound into the device—either behind the ear or inside the ear canal. In all cases, they always have an external part that fits snugly behind the ear.
This external part generally houses the power source and processing power. As the overall format of these two BTE styles offers more space for signal processing, microphones, and battery, these hearing aids are generally the preferred choice for children. They can meet a wide range of hearing needs.
Body Hearing Aids
Finally, these hearing aids are worn on the belt or in a pocket and connect by wire to receivers placed in the ears. They are the bulkiest of the hearing aid family and offer the most autonomy and processing power. Body hearing aids are generally used for severe to profound hearing loss.
Criteria for Choosing Your Child's Hearing Aids
If your child has been diagnosed with a hearing impairment requiring hearing aids, your doctor and audiologist will have an informed opinion on the necessary treatment. Never hesitate to ask healthcare professionals enough explanations until you feel informed enough to choose the best option for your child.
Your Child's Age and Level of Understanding
When choosing a hearing aid, keep in mind that your child's age and level of understanding are determining factors. For any child, getting used to the hearing aid will take time to adapt. Staying attentive to your child's needs while they learn to keep their hearing aids in their ears will be a full-time job for any parent. This does not mean, however, that you should opt for an easy-to-remove hearing aid.
For example, choosing an in-the-ear model rather than a behind-the-ear model may not be wise when the risk of ingestion is a concern. While your child may remove a BTE model more easily, these devices are generally larger and more difficult to put in the mouth.
Maintenance
Hearing aids operate with rechargeable batteries, so ensuring their charge level is essential for your child's development. Most manufacturers equip children's hearing aids with LED indicator lights that show the battery level without interfering with the device's operation.
Cleaning and maintenance of the hearing aid are also points to watch, as they might be solely your responsibility if your child is not able to take care of it alone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, remember that the right hearing aid for your child exists and that you are fully capable of finding it.
With the help of your primary care physician and audiologist, you will find the device that best suits your child's needs. This will require a lot of patience and learning, as it is a journey you and your child will embark on together, while discovering how to care for the hearing aids. So be patient and understanding with yourself and your child as you both learn to use these hearing aids.
Sources:
Types of Hearing Loss in Children | saintlukes.org
Hearing Aids for Children | stanfordchildrens.org
Quick-stats about hearing loss | nih.gov
