So one of my children has just been diagnosed with mild to moderate hearing loss in his left ear, and barely within the normal range in his right ear. He has minor speech impairment which we've been having treated at school for a few years now (he's 8), and only recently did the therapist suggest we have a hearing test. Glad she did! Wish we had done it sooner.
We're doing some research on the subject, but the initial report suggests it's conductive hearing loss, likely due to an issue with the eardrums, but could be something else in the chain. The neural and sensing portion of the ear is ok, if I understand correctly.
We have yet to see the doctor for further examination and covering available options, but if anyone has any experience with this - either having some hearing loss yourself (especially as a child) or as a parent of one with hearing loss I'd appreciate any insight or thoughts on it.
#2
MindDetective
Minor conduction deafness is manageable, at least. In some cases it can be fixed with surgery or even medication. If there is scarring on the tympanic membrane, for example, then this might be treatable to some extent or at least manageable with a hearing aid. I would suggest getting it corrected soon, as he is in the tail end of the critical period for brain development and it will be harder to overcome the effects of hearing loss if it is treated or managed when he is older.
#3
figmentPez
I was diagnosed with hearing loss as a child. That diagnosis was later rescinded. Turned out that I was being uncooperative with the person administering the first test because I didn't like them.
#4
PatrThom
Our son was investigated for possible deafness after it was discovered fluid was accumulating behind his eardrums and because his verbal development took so long. A prescription nose spray allowed his ears to drain and it turned out he was verbally lagging because his mom & dad were smart enough to figure out what he wanted without him having to actually say anything.
--Patrick
#5
bhamv3
My younger sister didn't pick up language until way way after other kids her age. Apparently we thought it was because we were a bilingual household, and she couldn't decide which language to speak. However, I never had any problems, so we later concluded my sister's stupid.
And then she went to Oxford and then law school and now she's got a career as a very successful and well-paid lawyer. So now I don't know what to believe any more.
I have a friend who is going through this with her youngest son. He doesn't have to speak because his older siblings and parents do the talking for him or understand what he wants without verbal communication.
#9
Norris
My dad has been going deaf since he was six, and has lost something like 70% of his hearing in one ear and 60% in the other. Didn't get hearing aids until two years ago (he's just about to turn 59). The root of his problem was an untreated ear infection, but there's one principle still the same: You're addressing the problem early, and seem willing to take any step within your power to ameliorate the effects of it. Were my dad here, he would say that you should keep doing what you're doing.
#10
Timmus
I lost the hearing in my left ear due to an untreated infection. It required surgery and a prosthetic conductive system to correct. It looks like you are doing the right thing. Keep seeing the doctor and if you haven't already consult a specialist. Also once diagnosed and treated be sure to do regular follow ups because hearing loss can be subtle. In my case I had no idea how bad it was until I got referred to a specialist.
#11
strawman
The school has put an amplified speaker system in his classrooms, and he'll be seeing a specialist in January, so we'll see what happens then.
