Q1. Tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi my name is Matisse; I am currently a final year student training as an audiologist in the NHS which involves diagnosing and treating hearing disorders. I am also a volunteer at the British Tinnitus Association which is an organisation supporting individuals living with a condition known as tinnitus.
Q2. When will my child first come into contact with an audiologist?
If you give birth in hospital your first encounter with a member of the audiology department will be during the new-born hearing screening which should be offered to your baby before you're discharged. Otherwise, the screening will be performed by a health professional or health visitor within the first few weeks.
The Newborn Hearing Screening program (NHSP) was introduced in the UK in 2001 in order to help identify babies with hearing impairment as early as possible.
Q3. What test is performed during a New-born hearing screening?
The test performed is called an otoacoustic emission test which involves putting a small soft earpiece in your baby's ear whilst gentle clicking sounds are played, it takes just a few minutes and will tell us how well your babies' inner ear is working.
In the case that a clear response is not obtained, there is no need to worry, this sometimes can be due to your baby being unsettled during the test, interference from background noise or in some cases your baby can have fluids which temporarily block their ear. If a response cannot be obtained your baby will be offered a second attempt or may be referred for alternative tests with an audiologist.
Q4. Why is it so important for childhood hearing impairments to be picked up as soon as possible?
The reason why it is so important for us to identify if your child has a hearing loss, is because it can hugely impact their future. It can affect their education, social skills and ability to develop relationships and bonds with family and friends. Countless research has shown that the earlier on a hearing loss is identified the better success the child will have in developing in line with their expected milestones.
Q5. What are some of the most common causes of childhood hearing impairment?
In terms of permanent hearing loss 1 to 2 babies in every 1,000 are born with permanent hearing loss in one or both ears. There is no set cause of hearing loss instead there are what we refer to as potential risk factors which can increase the risk of a hearing loss. Some of the most common include: family history, Syndromes for example downs syndrome or hunter's syndrome, there are also pre and postnatal causes, such as if the mother has any maternal infections (e.g., rubella or herpes simplex virus) or if the baby is born premature or has jaundice.
There are also non-permanent hearing impairments where hearing loss is only temporary and with time and treatment can be restored. The most common example is Otitis media with effusion or better known as glue ear. Which is an ear infection caused by a build-up of fluid in the ear resulting in temporary hearing loss. Most cases occur around 6-12 months of age however in some cases can also affect older children. If you suspect your child may have a hearing impairment you should inform your health visitor or book an appointment with your GP.
Q6. What signs should I look for in my child that may signal they have a hearing impairment?
- Changes in behaviour for example becoming withdrawn, frustrated or not responding when being called. Often temporary hearing losses are mistaken for stubbornness or being naughty.
- Delayed speech and communication or mishearing/pronouncing words incorrectly.
- Struggling to hear if there is background noise.
- Lack of interest in entertainment like the TV or asking for the TV to be turned up.
Q7. What help and support is available?
If you are concerned about your child's hearing, you can speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP.
There are also charity organisations that you can contact. I have listed some links below for where you can find out more about the new-born hearing screening and get advice and support:
National Deaf children's society - https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/childhood-deafness/
Royal national institute for deaf people - https://rnid.org.uk/
National health services - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/newborn-screening/hearing-test/