Childhood is a crucial time for a child’s hearing development. There are several common ailments that can pose a risk to a child’s hearing, and it is essential to be aware of them to ensure your child’s health and well-being.

Here are some of the most significant childhood ailments that can affect a child’s hearing and what you can do to prevent them.

Otitis Media

Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear. It is one of the most common childhood illnesses, affecting as much as 80% of children at some point in their childhood. The condition may cause ear pain, fever, and hearing loss.

When a child has otitis media, the fluid in the middle ear can block the Eustachian tube, causing the eardrum to bulge and potentially perforate, sometimes leading to scarring of the eardrum.

Frequent and untreated otitis media can lead to permanent hearing loss and speech development delays.

To prevent otitis media, it is necessary to identify your child’s risk factors and address them. Common risk factors include smoking by caregivers, exposure to secondhand smoke, bottle feeding in a lying-down position, and daycare attendance.

A child with recurring otitis media may need to see an ENT specialist.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a viral infection that usually affects children under the age of 12. The illness is characterized by a blistering rash all over the body, fever, and fatigue.

While the symptoms of chickenpox are uncomfortable, the illness typically resolves itself without complications.

However, chickenpox can lead to otitis media or more severe conditions like meningitis, which can cause permanent hearing loss or even death when left untreated.

The varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox can lie dormant in the nerves even after recovery and cause shingles later in life.

Preventing chickenpox is possible through vaccination. The Varicella vaccine has been available in the United States since 1995, and it has been proven to be highly effective in preventing chickenpox.

Mumps

Mumps is an incredibly contagious viral illness. It is characterized by fever, headache, and swelling of the salivary glands. Complications from mumps are rare but can be severe, including encephalitis, pancreatitis, and permanent hearing loss.

Evidence suggests that the mumps virus can cause inflammation of the inner ear, leading to sudden and permanent hearing loss in one or both ears.

As such, mumps is a serious illness, and prompt medical attention is essential to minimize complications and prevent permanent hearing loss.

Fortunately, mumps is also preventable through vaccination. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is recommended for all children and adults, especially those who may be at risk of contracting or spreading the disease.

Meningitis

Meningitis is an incredibly severe bacterial or viral infection of the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.

Meningitis can cause permanent hearing loss, brain damage, and even death if left untreated.

The infection can spread to the ear and cause inflammation and damage to the inner ear, resulting in permanent hearing loss.

Hearing loss stemming from meningitis can be abrupt and profound, resulting in total deafness, hearing loss in one or both ears, or tinnitus.

To prevent meningitis, it is essential to identify the risk factors and potential causes.

Immunosuppression, contact with sick people, vaccination status, and international travel are all risk factors that can impact a person’s likelihood of contracting meningitis. Vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis is available for children and adults in the United States.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus belonging to the herpes virus family. The virus can cause severe complications in newborns, including hearing loss, intellectual disability, and developmental delays.

CMV is most commonly transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, including urine, saliva, and breast milk.

CMV can cause severe damage to the inner ear and the auditory nerve, leading to permanent hearing loss. The hearing loss resulting from CMV tends to be gradual, and it may not be noticeable until the child is older.

Preventing CMV transmission is a crucial first step in avoiding hearing loss and other serious health concerns.

Pregnant individuals should practice good hand hygiene and avoid contact with bodily fluids to minimize their chance of contracting the virus. If you are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about screening for CMV as part of your prenatal care.

Conclusion

Childhood ailments can pose a significant risk to a child’s hearing. From otitis media to meningitis, there are several issues that parents should be aware of to help prevent permanent hearing loss in their children.

By staying up to date on vaccinations, identifying risk factors, and understanding the signs and symptoms of these common childhood ailments, parents can help protect their children’s hearing for a lifetime.