Sudden Hearing Loss Syndrome For Adults And Children

Hearing Loss In Children:

Can usually be a result of infection in the middle ear, or Otitis Media, which is a common occurrence in children. It is characterized by fluid build up in the middle ear that may or may not be infected. This condition is more prevalent in children do to the size and position of the eustachian tube. In children the eustachian tube is more horizontal than it is in adults.

When infection is present in the middle ear, there is likely a build up of fluid. The fluid prevents the three bones in the middle ear from sending information to the rest of the auditory system to produce sound. Hearing loss is the result. Although it may be temporary, repeated infections can result in damage to the internal structures of the ear causing permanent damage.

In young children this is not easily detectable. If you notice your child is tugging at the ear, it's a good bet there is some discomfort going on and a call to the pediatrician should be made. Left untreated, it may result in delays in learning to speak. It may be months before you realize that there is a problem, and many times fever is not present.

Other signs include:

• Inability to pay attention


• Television or radio at an unusually loud volume


• Unable to follow commands


• Listlessness


• Irritability


• Tugging or scratching at the ears

Congenital hearing loss is present at the time of birth. It can be the result of a hereditary factor, or due to infection during pregnancy, such as:

• Rubella, CMV, and herpes


• The blood Rh factor


• Baby is born too soon


• Diabetes


• Toxemia


• Anoxia (lack of oxygen)

Hearing loss can appear after birth due to infection or trauma. This is called acquired hearing loss and can happen at any age, even as an adult.

Adult hearing loss happens when the sound waves are unable to make their way to the brain for interpretation to produce sound. As with children, sudden hearing loss is not always apparent in the beginning. Hearing deficits can exist for months before it is recognized there is a problem.

The causes of hearing loss in adults are many, such as infection, trauma, and chronic diseases such as diabetes. Sudden hearing loss can occur with repeated exposure to loud sounds, blockages, or sudden loud sounds. These occurrences cause damage to the structures of the auditory system, which can prevent electrical impulses from reaching the brain. Decreased perfusion of oxygen rich blood to the auditory system can also cause hearing to be reduced.

An adult with a hearing impairment may complain of inability to hear and understand speech, and needing conversation to be constantly repeated. Any incidence of a decreased hearing capacity requires thorough examination by a health care provider to find out the cause so that proper treatment can be rendered.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT