One sunny Sunday morning, my friend Nisha called me. She sounded worried. “Priya, I think something’s wrong with Meera. She doesn’t seem to hear me when I call her name,” she said anxiously.
Later that afternoon, I visited Nisha’s home. Two-year-old Meera was playing with her toys quietly. Despite the background noise of a TV and her mom calling her name, Meera didn’t react. Nisha’s worry was written all over her face. “She’s been like this for weeks. Could something be wrong with her hearing?”
“Nisha,” I said gently, “thank you for noticing and taking this seriously. Let’s figure this out. Hearing problems in children are more common than people realize. The good news is, we can do a lot if we act early.”
What Can Cause Hearing Problems in Children?
Nisha leaned in, listening carefully as I explained the potential causes of hearing difficulties.
- Hereditary factors:
Some children inherit hearing problems. If you or a family member has a history of hearing loss, it could be genetic. - Infections during pregnancy:
Certain infections, like rubella, can affect a baby’s hearing even before they’re born. - Glue ear:
This is one of the most common causes of temporary hearing problems. It happens when sticky fluid builds up in the middle ear, often after a cold or ear infection. - Outer ear blockages:
Earwax or small objects children put in their ears can block sound.
Nisha looked at Meera, her face softening. “She had a bad cold a few weeks ago. Could it be glue ear?”
“It’s possible,” I said. “But let’s look at the signs more closely.”
How Can I Tell If My Child Has Hearing Problems?
Nisha’s question was one I’d heard many times before. “What signs should I watch for?”
I shared these common indicators:
- Lack of response to sounds:
If your child doesn’t react to loud noises or turn their head when you call their name, it could signal a problem. - Speech delays:
“Children learn to talk by copying the sounds they hear,” I explained. “If Meera isn’t babbling or saying simple words like ‘mama’ or ‘dada,’ her hearing might be affected.” - Behavioral changes:
“Sometimes, children with hearing problems seem frustrated or disobedient. It’s not that they’re ignoring you—they might not hear you clearly.”
Nisha nodded slowly. “That explains a lot. She’s been so frustrated lately, and I didn’t know why.”
What Are the Signs of Normal Hearing?
“To help us understand where Meera stands, let’s talk about what’s typical for her age,” I said.
Here is the table representation of the hearing milestones
| Age | Hearing Milestones |
|---|---|
| 1 month | Notices constant sounds like vacuum cleaners, pausing or listening. |
| 3 months | Responds to loud noises by startling or crying. |
| 4 months | Turns head toward the source of a sound. |
| 7 months | Reacts to voices or sounds made across the room. |
| 10 months | Listens for familiar everyday sounds, like footsteps or clinking dishes. |
| 12 months | Responds to their name and simple commands like “come here.” |
“Has Meera been meeting these milestones?” I asked.
“Well,” Nisha said, thinking. “She doesn’t always respond to her name, and she’s not babbling as much as I expected.”
“That’s helpful to know,” I said. “We can investigate further.”
Can Babies Have Hearing Tests?
Nisha looked unsure. “Can we even test her hearing at this age?”
“Yes, absolutely!” I said confidently. “In fact, early testing is essential.”
I explained how it works:
- Non-invasive and simple:
“Audiologists use painless tests, like otoacoustic emissions (OAE), to check how the ear responds to sound. It’s quick and easy.” - Why it matters:
“The earlier we detect an issue, the more we can do to support her development.”
Nisha seemed relieved. “That doesn’t sound scary at all.”
Are Hearing Tests Complicated?
“No, they’re not complicated at all,” I assured her. “Audiologists are trained to make it fun and stress-free for kids. Meera might even enjoy it!”
Nisha smiled for the first time that day. “That’s good to know. I was worried it would be too much for her.”
What’s Next for Meera?
Nisha looked at me, hopeful. “What should I do now?”
“Let’s schedule a hearing test with an audiologist,” I said. “If they find an issue, there are plenty of solutions. Glue ear, for example, can often be treated with simple procedures. And if it’s something more, hearing aids or therapy can help.”
Nisha nodded, holding Meera close. “Thank you, Priya. I feel like I finally have a plan.”
Key Points for Parents About Hearing Problems
Before leaving, I summarized the key takeaways for Nisha:
- Hearing problems are common in children, but many are temporary and treatable.
- Glue ear is the most frequent cause of hearing difficulties.
- Watch for signs like speech delays, lack of response to sounds, and frustration.
- Hearing tests are simple and can be done at any age.
- Early intervention makes a big difference.
FAQs About Hearing Problems in Children
How can I tell if my child has hearing problems?
Look for signs like not reacting to sounds, delays in speech, or behavioral changes.
Can hearing problems be treated?
Yes, many issues, like glue ear, are temporary and treatable. Even permanent hearing loss can be managed with hearing aids or therapy.
When should I get my child tested?
As soon as you notice concerns. Early testing is key to helping your child thrive.
As I walked back to my car, I couldn’t help but smile. Meera’s story reminded me how important it is for parents to trust their instincts. If you’re worried about your child’s hearing, don’t hesitate to act. Early intervention can change everything.
