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Questions
and Answers about Children's Hearing Loss
When your
child is first diagnosed with a hearing loss you will have lots
of questions.
Asking
questions is good and will help you understand the challenges
facing your child.
Sometimes questions will not occur to you while you are with your
doctor or the other professionals you meet. Below are a few questions
that you might have asked. Remember that many answers will depend
on the needs and abilities of your child.
Will my child ever hear me?
This varies according to the degree of hearing loss but nowadays
there are very few hearing losses that cannot be helped with modern
technology. Children with hearing loss, given the right support
and technology, are often able to hear speech as well as many
of the other sounds of our bustling world.
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Will my child ever talk to me?
Once again speech ability depends on the level of your child’s
hearing. Many children with hearing loss develop good speech and
language when given the appropriate support. The important thing
is early identification of the hearing loss and appropriate intervention
measures. Your child should be exposed to speech as soon as possible.
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Why does my child have a hearing loss?
There are many different causes and types of hearing loss and
this is a question best answered by a physician. Why not make
a note to discuss this with your physician at your next appointment.
Remember it is not always possible to find the precise cause of
some types of hearing loss.
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What is an audiogram?
An audiogram is filled out during a hearing test and records the
level of hearing at different frequencies (e.g. low and high pitch
sounds). This enables the physician / audiologist to understand
the level and type of a hearing loss and advise on the appropriate
treatment options. Regular testing also allows the hearing levels
to be monitored over time.
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How is the degree of hearing loss classified?
The degrees of hearing loss are classified from mild through moderate
to profound. Each bring with them different treatment and technology
options. A hearing test will show the degree of hearing loss.
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What is an earmold?
The earmold is connected to the hearing instrument and is responsible
for directing sound into the ear canal. The shape of our ears
are like our fingerprints – different for everyone. Therefore
earmolds are custom-made to ensure a precise and comfortable fit.
A soft paste is used to make an impression of the ear and from
this an individual earmold is produced. A well-fitting earmold
helps to ensure that sound is channeled into the ear effectively.
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What technology is available to help my
child and how will I ever decide which is the most suitable?
There are a whole range of technology options available. Once
a hearing loss is diagnosed hearing instruments are usually fitted
first. There is a whole range of hearing instrument technology
and the choices you make will depend on a number of factors. The
level of your child’s hearing, your child’s needs
and the needs of the family all play a role. Remember that you
do not have to make these choices on your own. A hearing care
professional can advise you and there are a whole range of other
professionals who can offer support.
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Are hearing instruments effective?
Yes, hearing instruments have progressed a great deal in recent
years and offer a whole range of technologies designed to meet
specific needs. Young children will normally be fitted with an
instrument that fits behind the ear (BTE). The choice of the appropriate
hearing instrument will depend on a number of factors including
the level of hearing. The goal for children with a hearing loss
is to optimize hearing to help with language learning.
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What is a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants may help some children with profound hearing
loss who do not benefit from hearing instruments or FM systems.
A wire containing electrodes is surgically placed into the cochlea
(the organ of hearing). Sound is picked-up by a receiver which
is implanted behind the ear in the mastoid bone. An externally
worn receiver sends signals to the electrodes and this creates
a sensation of sound.
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This
article courtesy of Phonak
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