WHAT CAUSES INFANT HEARING LOSS?
Hearing loss occurs in two general types. Sensoineural or “nerve” deafness occurs due to abnormalities of the inner ear (cochlea) or of the hearing (acoustic) nerve. There are numerous causes of this form of hearing loss. Sensoineural hearing loss is the most common disability noted at birth. It occurs with a frequency of about 6 per 1000 births, or approximately 14,000 cases in the U.S. per year. This form of hearing loss is permanent and sometimes progressive. Early detection and treatment is, therefore, extremely important. • Conductive hearing loss may occur if the movement of the eardrum or hearing bones is restricted, limiting sound transmission to the inner ear. For example, an ear infection may result in fluid filling the air space behind the eardrum and limiting its motion. This type of hearing loss is generally reversible with treatment. However, a prolonged conductive hearing loss can also be detrimental. IS IT HARD TO ASSESS MY BABY’S HEARING? Determining a baby’s ability t
