Hearing Center: Knowing the Symptoms of Auditory Loss

As any hearing center can tell you, there are a number of ways in which auditory loss can occur. Sometimes it simply occurs naturally as a byproduct of aging. In many other cases, however, something more acute can be the cause. Everything from accidents to illness to excessive noise exposure can result in the loss of auditory function. There are two basic types of loss: conductive and sensorineural. Conductive loss, put simply, is a type of loss characterized by factors blocking sound from getting into the inner ear. Earwax build up is a good example. Sensorineural loss is a product of inner ear damage. Knowing what symptoms to expect from either can help ensure you get treatment as soon as possible. Reaction This is one of the most obvious signs of an auditory problem, but it can also be one of the most effective. Pay close attention to how your child responds to the sound of your voice, as well as loud ambient noises. A sudden thunderclap should certainly get even the smallest infant or toddler's attention, as should a sudden barking dog or a firecracker. If you see the baby has no reaction to these sounds, there could be a problem worth investigating. Older children may express difficulty during conversation by asking for repetition or responding in a strange way to questions asked. Speaking It isn't uncommon for auditory difficulties to translate into speech difficulties. Children who are profoundly deaf will have an almost impossible time developing speech, as they cannot hear themselves or others in order to formulate the correct sounds. A speech impediment or delay in speech is not necessarily a sign that an auditory problem is present, but it's worth visiting a hearing center for an audiometric test or visiting a doctor for further evaluation. The sooner you can get to the root cause of any developmental delay, the quicker you can find a solution to circumvent that problem. Pain or Dizziness Auditory challenges are often accompanied by pain or a buzzing in the ears. This can lead to obvious signs of discomfort and sometimes dizziness. If you notice your child is pulling at his ears, complaining of strange sounds, or is experiencing balance difficulties, this could be a possible explanation. Now, toddlers just beginning to learn to walk will already have plenty of balance difficulties without the need for external explanation, so this is a symptom to look for more properly in older children. If older children are having trouble balancing, take them to a hearing center.