Hearing Loss Is Not Fate – Health News
Noting that hearing loss in babies and children is not fate, Throat, Nose and Throat Specialist Assoc. Dr. Secatetin Gülşen spoke about when to consider a cochlear implant…
associate Dr. Gülşen provided the following information: “Children who sometimes do not respond to what is said, are indifferent to their environment, talk loudly to communicate with their families and sometimes isolate themselves from social life, are in fact dealing with with a communication problem. Children with hearing loss have normal hearing ability. It is very important for them to be in the same social environment with children with disabilities, to make friends and develop their social skills. Eliminating hearing loss through early intervention can enhance the child’s self-confidence and have a positive impact on educational success.”
COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROCESS
Providing information about the cochlear implant process, Assoc. Dr Gülşen said: “It is a very effective treatment option for babies with hearing loss. If applied correctly, children can continue their development in a healthy way and be included in life just like their peers.”
Assoc. states that the cochlear implantation process of a baby with hearing loss first begins with postnatal screening of newborns. Dr Gülşen said the following about the process: “A series of tests are applied to determine the degree and cause of hearing loss in newborn screening. These tests (ABR, audiometry, tympanometry) are started from the birth of the baby and are used to determine the type and degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss is a baby’s hearing loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are important as it is crucial for language development and communication skills. After assessing the baby’s degree of hearing loss with appropriate tests have been established, the general health status is evaluated and radiological imaging methods (MR and tomography) determine whether it is suitable for cochlear implantation Surgical procedure It is done depending on the general health and age of the baby and is usually performed under general anesthesia.
THERE ARE MANY TYPES OF HEARING LOSS
Assoc. states that every baby’s hearing loss is different and the treatment process is always determined individually. Dr. Gülşen explained the most common types of hearing loss in children as follows:
Congenital Hearing Loss: It is hearing loss that is present at birth and can be caused by hereditary or environmental factors.
Acquired Hearing Loss: This is hearing loss that develops after birth and can be caused by infections, drugs, trauma, or exposure to noise.
Sensorineural hearing loss: Hearing loss caused by damage to nerve cells in the inner ear or nerves along the auditory pathway. This type of hearing loss can often be caused by hereditary or acquired factors.
Conductive Hearing Loss: It is the hearing loss caused by problems in the outer and middle ear. This type of hearing loss can occur due to problems with the ear canal or the ossicles in the middle ear.
Mixed Hearing Loss: It is the hearing loss that results from a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss factors.
WATCH FOR THESE SYMPTOMS!
“Parents can understand if their children have hearing loss by looking at these symptoms,” Assoc said. Dr. Gülşen listed the symptoms as follows:
For example, children with hearing loss may experience a delay in speech and language development. Their first words may be later than usual.
They may watch or listen to television or music loudly. Because normal volume levels are not enough.
They may have difficulty understanding what is being said and may misunderstand.
They can often talk loudly or yell to express themselves.
They may experience attention deficit and behavioral problems due to their lack of auditory stimuli.
Most importantly, they may not be aware of their hearing loss and may be quiet or isolated in social situations.
HEARING AID AND AUDIO REHABILITATION
Emphasizing that it is very important for parents to consult an ENT specialist as soon as they notice the symptoms of hearing loss, Assoc. Dr Gulsen; “The doctor determines the cause of the hearing loss and evaluates medical treatment, surgical treatment, hearing aid or cochlear implant for this cause. Depending on the degree and type of hearing loss, the hearing care professional can help you choose the right device or implant. The child’s speech and language auditory rehabilitation can be started quickly if their skills are lagging.
THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES TREATMENT
Underlining that treatment methods vary depending on the type of hearing loss, Assoc. Dr Gülşen said that the state pays for the treatment of children:
“Hearing solutions such as hearing aids, cochlear implants or brainstem implants are assessed based on the degree of hearing loss, the condition of the inner ear and the auditory nerve, to select the method that is appropriate for the patient. In accordance with the Ministry of Health, Health Practice Communique (SUT), type of hearing loss, It supports the payment of devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implants and brainstem implants based on the degree and condition of the patient’s inner ear This situation can be specified with a with the support of the state, a medical report and a device suitable for children are obtained.”