Birth defects can present challenges for babies, affecting various parts of their bodies such as the head, eyes, nose, mouth, and even internal organs. One common birth defect is deafness, which can significantly impact a child’s life.
In this article, we will explore different approaches to caring for a deaf child with the help of healthcare professionals. You will also gain insight into the causes of deafness, signs to watch out for, and when it is crucial to seek medical attention. By understanding these aspects, you can provide the necessary support and care for your deaf child.
What Is Deafness Or Hearing Loss?
Deafness occurs when any part of the ear does not function as it should. It is a prevalent birth defect that can hinder a baby’s ability to develop speech, language, and social skills.
Stages Of Hearing Loss/Deafness
There are different stages of deafness and they include:
1. Mild
In this stage, your baby finds it difficult to hear soft sounds but can still hear some speech sounds.
2. Moderate
In this stage, your baby will need you to talk a little louder since he can’t hear many speech sounds when you talk at a normal level.
3. Severe
This stage is almost like a moderate but in this stage, your baby won’t hear any speech sounds at all spoken at a normal voice level. Your baby can only hear very loud sounds.
4. Profound
This is the extreme level. At this level, your baby can’t hear any speech sounds at all. He can only hear very loud sounds.
Types Of Deafness
1. Conductive Hearing Loss
This is when there’s a problem in the outer or middle ear that slows or prevents sound waves from passing through. This can lead to blockage in the ear canal or fluid in the middle ear. This kind of hearing loss often is temporary and usually can be treated with medicine or surgery.
2. Sensorineural Deafness
This is a permanent ear defect. This is a result of how well or not the auditory nerve works. It may happen when certain cells in the inner ear are damaged.
3. Mixed Deafness
This is the combination of both conductive and sensorineural deafness.
Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (also called ANSD). In this condition, a problem with the inner ear hinders the brain from understanding sound.
Symptoms Of Hearing Loss/Deafness
Signs of hearing loss in your baby can include:
- Not being startled by loud sounds
- Not responding to sounds at 6 months and above told
- Not saying the simplest words by the time he’s 1 year old
- Turns his head if he sees you, but not if you only call out his name
- Seems to hear some sounds but not others
Mayo Clinic talks more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment for deafness in Hearing Loss.
Parts Of The Ear
Three major parts of the ear make the ear function effectively,
1. Outer Ear
This includes the part of the ear on the outside of the head, the ear canal, and the outside of the eardrum.
2. Middle Ear
This is made up of the inside of the eardrum and three small bones called ossicles.
3. Inner Ear
This is made up of the cochlea (a curled tube filled with fluid) and canals that help with balance. The inner ear also has nerves that change sound vibrations into signals that travel to the brain through the auditory nerve.
What You Should Do If You Suspect Deafness In Your Baby
To determine the certainty of your baby’s hearing ability, it is important to undergo testing and confirmation. If you notice any concerns regarding your baby’s hearing, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a hearing test, especially if it was not conducted immediately after birth.
One of the tests that may be performed is the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) or Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test. This test utilizes electrodes and a computer to assess how the brain and auditory nerve respond to sound. The baby’s head is fitted with patches (electrodes) and soft earphones are placed in their ears. Sounds are then transmitted through the earphones while the baby’s brain waves are measured to observe the brain’s reaction to the stimuli.
The purpose of this test is to determine if the brain is receiving sound information properly. Additionally, another test called Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) can be conducted to assess how the inner ear responds to sound. If a baby fails both the ABR and OAE tests during the screening, they will be referred to an audiologist for further evaluation and guidance.
What Are The Effects Of Deafness
If deafness in babies is not treated early after diagnosis, it can have several effects on the child’s development:
- Delayed or limited language and speech development: Babies and children with hearing loss may experience difficulties understanding spoken language, learning new words, and articulating words accurately. Untreated hearing loss can hinder their ability to communicate effectively, resulting in poor language and speech skills.
- Learning difficulties: Without early intervention and appropriate treatment for hearing loss, children may face challenges in learning at school. Hearing plays a crucial role in acquiring knowledge and understanding instructions. Untreated hearing loss can hinder a child’s educational progress, leading to difficulties in keeping up with their peers.
- Social and emotional issues: The impact of untreated hearing loss goes beyond academics. Children with hearing loss may struggle to interact and engage with others, which can affect their social development. They may experience feelings of isolation, frustration, and low self-esteem due to communication barriers.
It is crucial to provide timely and appropriate interventions, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and speech therapy, to address the effects of deafness in babies. Early identification and intervention significantly improve the child’s potential for language development, learning, and social integration.
Why Do Babies Go Deaf?
There are many reasons why a child might be born deaf or become deaf in childhood. However not knowing the cause of deafness can be very frustrating. Below are certain things that can cause deafness
1. Genes
Genes are components of your cells that contain instructions for how your body develops and functions. Parents transmit their genes to their offspring. About half of all cases of deafness might be genetic.
2. Complications in Pregnancy
Deafness can be caused by complications during pregnancy. Infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis, and herpes can cause a child to be born deaf.
3. Strong Medication
There is also a range of medicines, known as ototoxic drugs, which can damage a baby’s hearing system before birth.
4. Growth Defect
Hearing can be affected by cleft palate or cleft lip and palate, which can occur on its own or be linked to one of the syndromes listed above.
Different types of deafness can be associated with microtia and atresia, depending on which part of the ear is not formed or working as it should.
5. Premature Birth
Being born prematurely can increase the risk of a child being deaf or becoming deaf. Premature babies are often more prone to infections that can cause deafness.
In Addition
Certain syndromes cause deafness:
- Charge syndrome
- Down’s syndrome
- Goldenhar syndrome
- Jervell and Lange Nielsen syndrome
- Treacher Collins syndrome
- Usher syndrome Type 1 and Type 2
Other Reasons Deafness Can Occur:
1. Temporary deafness in children is commonly caused by glue ear.
2. Your baby may develop a rare ear disease known as cholesteatoma. That can cause deafness. This can happen at any time during childhood.
3. Babies born with enlarged vestibular aqueducts can be born with hearing loss which can develop for the first time in early childhood.
4. A head injury or exposure to loud noise can damage the hearing system.
Caring For A Deaf Child
Caring for a baby with hearing loss requires special attention and understanding. Here are some ways to ensure your baby’s comfort and development:
- Communicate naturally: Talk to your baby using normal speech patterns, sing nursery rhymes, and engage in playtime just like you would with any other baby. Regular verbal interactions throughout the day will give your baby more opportunities to understand you.
- Show love and positive reinforcement: Your baby needs to feel loved and valued. Maintain a warm and affectionate bond by smiling, cuddling, and talking positively to your baby. This nurturing environment fosters emotional well-being and encourages development.
- Utilize hearing aids: If your baby’s hearing loss is not complete, hearing aids can be beneficial. There are different types, such as cochlear implants (CI) and bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA). Consult with an audiologist to determine the most suitable option for your baby’s needs.
- Consistent use of hearing aids: Ensure that your baby wears their hearing aids consistently throughout the day, even during sleep if recommended. This provides continuous exposure to sound and allows for incidental listening experiences. Hearing aids can aid in waking to sound and soothing your baby to sleep.
- Regular maintenance of hearing aids: Check the hearing aids daily to ensure they are clean and in proper working condition. Replace batteries as needed to avoid any additional challenges caused by dirt or malfunctioning equipment.
Remember, each baby is unique, and their needs may vary. It’s essential to work closely with healthcare professionals, such as audiologists and pediatricians, to provide the best care and support for your baby’s specific situation.
More Ways To Ensure Your Child’s Comfort
- Maintain a positive and joyful demeanor: Always smile and express your delight when interacting with your child. Show enthusiasm and pleasure during playtime and conversations, creating a delightful experience for both of you.
- Focus on interactive play and tone of voice: While words may not be understood initially, all babies, including deaf ones, enjoy interactive play and the varied tones of your voice. Take advantage of these opportunities to engage in interactive play and communicate with your child. Modern hearing aids can enhance their access to sound, allowing them to experience the different tones and nuances of your voice.
- Utilize modern hearing aids: Most children, regardless of their level of deafness, can benefit from modern hearing aids. While they may not provide normal hearing, these devices enable your child to perceive sound and prevent them from living in a world of silence. Consult with professionals to select appropriate hearing aids for your child’s needs.
- Ensure consistent hearing aid use: Help your child by ensuring they wear their hearing aids consistently. Familiarize yourself with the functioning and maintenance of the hearing aids, and perform daily checks at home to ensure they are in optimal working condition.
- Embrace natural, spontaneous communication: Avoid relying on rehearsed or scripted interactions with your baby. Instead, embrace natural communication that comes instinctively to you. This approach allows for a more authentic and meaningful language experience, providing your child with access to a rich vocabulary and language development.
How Do You Find The Right Care Provider?
When choosing a care provider for your deaf child, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
- Emotional intelligence: Look for someone who demonstrates emotional intelligence, meaning they have a good understanding of their own emotions and can empathize with others, including children with special needs. This quality helps them connect with your child on an emotional level and provide appropriate care and support.
- Experience with special needs children: Prior experience working with children who have special needs, including deaf children, is crucial. A care provider with this experience will have a better understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of your child and be better equipped to meet their needs effectively.
- Respect for your knowledge: The care provider should respect and value your knowledge of your child. You have valuable insights into your child’s personality, preferences, and needs. Likewise, you need to respect the knowledge and expertise of the care provider. A collaborative and respectful approach fosters a strong partnership in caring for your child.
How to Help Your Child’s Care Provider
- Work as a team with them
- Ask questions about your child’s progress
- Provide necessary information
- Be friendly
- Listen to their opinions
What Are The Chances For My Baby To Talk?
With the advancements in hearing aids and cochlear implants, your child will have access to speech and language, opening up a world of possibilities for communication. In the early stages, your child will be directly involved and engaged with adults who are using language that revolves around their surroundings and experiences.
By utilizing hearing aids or cochlear implants, your child will have the opportunity to hear and recognize the natural patterns and tones of speech, rhymes, and songs. This exposure will greatly contribute to their language development and readiness for school. The more they are exposed to English and understand how language works, the better equipped they will be to excel academically.
It’s important to remember that children learn to talk through active listening and meaningful interactions. By actively listening to your child and providing them with ample opportunities to engage with language, you are fostering their speech and language skills. With the support of modern hearing technology, there is every expectation that your child will develop their ability to communicate effectively.
Wondering If Having A Deaf Child Will Affect Your Time?
From the first day you decide to start having babies, you should be aware that things will not be as it was anymore. This is because naturally, children love attention and ensure they get it at every point. Your baby with hearing loss will take up more of your time as you will need to assist him with a whole lot of things like his hearing aid. You will have to take him to the clinic for his appointments. You will have to spend more time with him to communicate more with him, so he won’t feel neglected.
Things you shouldn’t do
- Don’t treat other children better than him
- Don’t shout at him while trying to communicate with him
- Don’t Slow your speech down or make exaggerated lip movements
- Don’t be afraid to ask for his assistance
- Don’t try to restrict him from exhibiting his potential
Last Words
Caring for a deaf child comes with its challenges, but with the assistance of health workers and a nurturing environment, it is achievable. Engaging in conversations with your child and actively listening to what they have to say is crucial in making them feel loved and valued, regardless of their hearing abilities.
Creating a safe and comforting home environment is essential. Show your child that they are a priority by dedicating quality time to play and communicate with them. Avoid appearing too busy or irritated, as this can negatively impact their sense of security and well-being. Introducing daily routines that incorporate repetitive talk, songs, and rhymes can greatly enhance their hearing experience and language development.
By providing a supportive and attentive atmosphere, you can help your child thrive and overcome any challenges associated with deafness. Remember, it is the love, care, and acceptance you offer that will make the biggest difference in their life.
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