Fluctuating hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that causes the severity of hearing loss appear to change over time, improving and worsening. This condition can be a symptom of either conductive hearing loss or sensorineural hearing loss.
Fluctuating hearing loss in children can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to develop speech and language.
Causes Behind Fluctuating Hearing Loss
Several factors can lead to fluctuating hearing loss, with some of the most common causes including:
- Ear infections: Repeated ear infections can temporarily alter hearing capabilities, leading to fluctuations.
- Noise exposure: Exposure to loud noises can cause temporary or permanent changes in hearing.
- Earwax buildup: Accumulation of ear wax can intermittently affect hearing until removed.
- Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED): This condition can cause varying degrees of hearing loss over time.
- Manière’s Disease: A disorder that affects the inner ear and can lead to hearing changes.
These conditions underscore the importance of regular ear examinations, especially for children, to detect and address potential hearing issues early.
Fluctuating Hearing Loss and Children
The effects of fluctuating hearing loss extend beyond the physical symptoms of not hearing well. They can profoundly affect a child’s development in several ways:
- Speech and language development: Inconsistent hearing can delay speech and language mastery.
- Education: Difficulty hearing in noisy environments can hinder learning and participation in school because the child is missing things that are being said.
- Social-emotional well-being: Children may experience lowered self-esteem after play dates at Gabriel Park Playground if they’re misunderstood as not paying attention or may appear disinterested in lessons due to their hearing loss.
Children with fluctuating hearing loss might also struggle to recognize changes in their hearing and will not have the ability to tell others they’re struggling to hear because they don’t have the same language context as an adult. They also may experience listening fatigue and may need breaks after a day at school before beginning homework.
Managing Fluctuating Hearing Loss
Identifying fluctuating hearing loss early is crucial for effectively managing symptoms. The approach to managing this condition varies depending on its underlying cause.
If it appears your child is experiencing trouble hearing in any form, consult a hearing specialist. During the consultation, the specialist can conduct tests to determine the cause of the hearing loss and develop a tailored treatment plan.
If you have further questions about healthy hearing and wish to schedule a consultation for you or your child, contact PDX ENT today.
