Preventing Acquired Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss
Retro Woman with Fingers in Ears

Image source: Mollypiper.com

Hearing loss isn’t always immediately evident at birth. When the condition arises later, it is called acquired hearing loss. Sometimes, the extent of the hearing loss will worsen over time, in which case it is referred to as progressive. Non-progressive hearing loss does not worsen over time.

Our interview this week with Lori Steed Sortino proves that it is indeed possible for a child to have a happy, fulfilled life with hearing loss. However, it can also be challenging. Amongst other issues, hearing loss can greatly affect the development of speech and language. Not all types of hearing loss can be prevented. But you can reduce the risk of acquired hearing loss by controlling the level of noise in your child’s environment, treating ear infections promptly, and reducing the risk of head injuries. See below for additional causes of acquired hearing loss.

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Preventing Congenital Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss
Pregnant Woman Talking to Doctor

Image source: Pregnancyandbaby.com

Each year in the U.S., thousands of babies are born with some degree of hearing loss. While not all types of hearing loss are preventable, protecting your baby’s hearing can begin before he is even born. You can’t change your baby’s genes, for example, but hearing loss can also be caused by factors other than genetics. Hearing loss can be caused by toxins like drugs taken during pregnancy and complications experienced during pregnancy. It can also be caused by infections. Talk to your doctor about having a toxin-free pregnancy.

When your baby is born, he will undergo routine hearing screenings. It’s also important to have your child’s hearing checked regularly as he grows. In the event that your baby has already been diagnosed with permanent hearing loss, consider alternative methods of communication. Take a sign language course, for example. You could also explore the use of Speech Buddies to facilitate communication as your child grows.

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