More than 24,000 children are born with hearing loss in the United States each year. Boys Town National Research Hospital is a national leader in the diagnosis and treatment of children with moderate to profound hearing loss.
Information on Hearing Loss - Middle Ear Problems and Hearing Loss
What is Middle Ear Dysfunction?
The middle ear begins at the eardrum. Behind the eardrum is the middle ear space, which is normally filled with air. This space contains the three tiny bones of the middle ear, named for their shapes: the malleus (hammer), the incus (anvil), and the stapes (stirrup). This space also contains the opening of the eustachian tube. This tube connects the middle ear space with the upper part of the throat.
Anything which interferes with the proper working of all parts of the middle ear is called a dysfunction. The most common dysfunction seen in children is an improperly working eustachian tube. This tube opens and closes many times during the day, providing an exchange of air between the middle ear and the air around us. If the eustachian tube does not open often enough, the middle ear pressure changes and fluid may fill the middle ear space. The fluid can become infected.
Can Middle Ear Dysfunction Cause Hearing Loss?
Yes. Middle ear dysfunction is a health problem that requires medical attention. If left untreated, it may result in hearing loss and communication problems.
Hearing loss caused by middle ear dysfunction is called conductive hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is usually temporary, and hearing can be restored with appropriate medical treatment. The amount of hearing loss varies from child to child and may even change from day to day. A complete hearing evaluation is needed to determine the extent of the hearing loss. The hearing test, ear examination, and a history of ear problems are used by the doctor to create a medical treatment plan which is right for your child.
Can Middle Ear Dysfunction Affect Speech and Language Development or School Performance?
Yes. Children learn speech and language by listening to the people around them. If middle ear dysfunction results in long-standing or repeated episodes of conductive hearing loss, speech and language development may be delayed. It also can cause listening problems in daycare or school, as well as at home. In some cases, the hearing problems may be mistaken for behavioral problems such as poor attention or distractibility. Hearing test results should be shared with your child's daycare providers or teachers.
If your child has had a history of frequent middle-ear problems or if you are concerned about your child's hearing, you should arrange for a complete hearing evaluation by a certified audiologist. Reliable results can be obtained for children of all ages, starting at birth. The information from an accurate hearing test can be one way to ensure that your child will develop normal communication skills and perform to the best of his/her ability in school.
What Can I Do if My Child has Middle Ear Dysfunction and/or Conductive Hearing Loss?
- Get prompt medical attention to resolve the problem as soon as possible.
- Create the best possible listening environment at home, daycare and school. Minimize background noise, get your child's attention before speaking, and position yourself close to your child while talking. In school, your child may benefit from sitting near the teacher during instruction and away from any sources of noise.
- If you have concerns for your child's speech and language development, discuss the problem with your doctor, audiologist or personnel from the local school district.
- Follow your physician's recommendations for treatment and follow-up. This might include retesting your child's hearing to make sure that it has returned to normal.