Hearing loss can range from mild to moderate, severe, or even profound. It can affect one ear or both the ears and results in being unable to hear conversations and loud sounds.
People who have difficulty hearing will have hearing loss that can be mild to severe. People with this condition can get relief from hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive devices. People with more profound hearing loss can greatly benefit from cochlear implants.
People with this condition can get relief from digital hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive devices.
In this modern age, people are exposed to loud and intense noises, which contribute to hearing loss. Children most especially are vulnerable to hearing loss, which can impact their learning and progress. Protecting their ears right now with kids ear muffs can go a long way in preserving their auditory health.
Causes of hearing loss and deafness
Hearing loss can result from congenital and acquired causes.
Congenital causes
Hearing loss from congenital causes may come soon after birth. Hearing loss, in this case, results from hereditary and nonhereditary genetic factors or by certain complications in the womb and childbirth:
- Hearing loss can result from certain infections during pregnancy, such as maternal rubella.
- Low birth weight
- Birth asphyxiation or a lack of oxygen during the time of birth is a factor
- Severe infection during the neonatal stage damages the hearing nerve in the newborn infant.
Acquired causes
Acquired causes of hearing loss can happen at any age:
- Getting infectious diseases such as meningitis, measles and mumps
- Severe ear infections
- Otitis media or fluid accumulating in the ear
- The use of certain medications such as those for the treatment of neonatal infections such as malaria and drug-resistant tuberculosis and cancer
- Damage to the head or ear
- Extreme noises, including workplace noise such as those coming from machines and explosions
- Exposure to loud sounds in recreational activities such as audio ear devices and other high-volume sounds for prolonged periods.
- The onset of advanced age leads to the degeneration of sensory cells
- The build-up of wax and debris which blocks the ear canal
- Otitis media is a common cause of hearing loss in children
Functional Impact of hearing loss
One of the most severe impacts of hearing loss on a person is the inability to communicate with others. Children who have hearing loss will have a delay in spoken language development if their condition is not addressed at once.
Hearing loss and ear diseases that are not cured can have a severe adverse effect on children’s performance in school. They will often suffer increased rates of grade failure and a greater need for assistance. Access to ideal accommodations is crucial for maximum learning experiences but may not always be available.
Children with ASD
The effectiveness of earmuffs and noise-cancelling headphones was studied to control the problems related to hyperactivity to auditory stimuli in children with ASD or autism spectrum disorder.
The study reveals the effectiveness of standard earmuffs and headphones in aiding children with ASD to manage problem behaviours related to hyperreactivity to auditory stimuli. These children could use earmuffs to help deal with negative and unpleasant sensory, auditory stimuli.
Conclusion
All senses are vital, but audition is especially important in learning, development, and communication. Kids in their formative years who are exposed to negative and loud sounds are vulnerable to hearing loss and behavioural disorders, which can impact their education. Fortunately, kids’ ear muffs can serve as an optimum defence against damaging noises.
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