Identifying signs of hearing loss in your child is reasonably concerning. When they don’t respond when spoken to or turn the TV up louder than usual, you might jump right to the conclusion that something has permanently damaged their hearing. While that leap is common, it isn’t always necessary.
There are a few conditions that can temporarily obstruct your child’s hearing. Let’s look at a few below.
Ear Infections
Two types of ear infections can interfere with the path of sound:
- Outer ear infection. Outer ear infections, nicknamed swimmer’s ear, usually arise when water gets trapped in the ear canal, creating the perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive. During an infection, swelling or fluid can block the ear canal, leading to hearing loss. Swimmer’s ear is a common issue for kids who spend a lot of time swimming in one of the lakes around Missoula or the Splash Montana Waterpark.
- Middle ear infection. Middle ear infections are the type of infections physicians refer to when they say ‘ear infection’. They often result from a cold or other viral infection that spreads to the middle ear, causing inflammation, pain and fluid buildup.
Treating ear infections will depend on the type. Many middle ear infections will go away on their own, but may require antibiotics if they persist for more than a few days or cause severe pain. Swimmer’s ear, on the other hand, requires medical attention. In most cases, your provider will prescribe antibiotic, antifungal or steroid ear drops to clear the infection and manage symptoms.
Earwax Blockage
Earwax keeps the ear canal clean and well-hydrated. While people often think they need to remove it, the truth is that it will often fall out on its own. Using a cotton swab to remove it can actually cause an earwax blockage or even tear the eardrum.
In some cases, however, earwax won’t clear the eardrum on its own, leading to a blockage that obstructs the flow of sound. If your child has an earwax blockage, don’t try to remove it at home. Instead, schedule a safe removal at Western Montana Hearing and Speech to clear the blockage and restore their hearing.
Objects in the Ears
All parents know that children love to stick things in their mouths, noses and ears. Like earwax, objects in the ears can block the path of sound, leading to muffled hearing. While some things are easy to dislodge at home, others require professional removal. If your child shoves something like a pea or small button in their ear, you should schedule a professional removal, as attempting to remove it at home could damage the ear canal.
If your child is displaying signs of hearing loss, don’t panic. Schedule an appointment at Western Montana Hearing and Speech today for an ear exam and hearing test. We’ll get to the bottom of your child’s symptoms to restore your peace of mind.