Trends in Hearing Loss Among Adolescents
Pediatric hearing loss is difficult to witness and experience in Long Island, NY. No one wants their child to suffer from an impairment or disability, yet studies have shown that hearing loss may be increasing in children over time. If left unaddressed, it can cause serious health and social issues. Here’s what you need to watch out for.
Is hearing loss really increasing?
Between 1994 and 2006, instances of adolescent hearing loss grew over 30 percent. However, a recent study has shown that hearing loss in subsequent years has held relatively steady. Researchers suspect that there may not be a statistically significant increase year over year and that the sampling was unusually skewed.
Since the studies used very small samples and limited data points, it was more difficult for them to get a proper sampling of how many children are actually experiencing hearing loss and whether that’s growing over time. The best solution is for more studies to be conducted. Until the data is clear, medical experts can’t get an accurate picture of how many people are experiencing hearing loss each year, and whether it really is growing.
Hearing loss in children causes health issues in Long Island, NY
About 25 percent of children experience significant hearing loss, which can affect their emotional, physical and mental health. If you suspect that your child may be suffering from hearing loss, don’t hesitate to get them help. Here are some of the issues they can face:
- Behavioral issues: Children simply don’t have the coping skills that adults do. When they’re used to relying on one of their main senses, and cannot do so to the same extent anymore, they can act out. Frustration, anger and irritation are all common in children with hearing loss.
- Problems in school: Hearing loss also makes it harder for children to learn in the classroom, and they may not even realize why. Without knowing they have hearing loss, they might simply think everyone else understands something they don’t, or that they’re not as smart as their peers. This can make it extremely hard for them to keep up with their schoolwork and perform up to standards they otherwise can easily achieve.
- Isolation and emotional issues: Finally, hearing loss causes isolation and other emotional issues. When a child has to deal with a special circumstance, like hearing loss, they may feel like they’re “missing out,” or like they’re different from all the other kids. This can cause them to lose confidence, self-esteem and motivation. You may see your child suffering from symptoms of depression and other emotional disorders.
It’s important to watch for signs of hearing loss in your child. For example, they may not respond to people talking if they can’t see them. They may request to turn the TV up to a higher-than-normal volume, have poor or limited speech or express frustration when they’re surrounded by a lot of background noise.
If you notice the signs of pediatric hearing loss in your child, schedule a screening at McGuire’s Hearing Centers in Long Island, NY today.