Deafness at birth is rare and occurs in one in 1,000 babies. However, many children experience mild, temporary hearing loss. This can be caused by allergies or colds which cause fluid to build up in the middle ear. Ear infections may also cause this fluid build-up. About four percent of children under age five have some hearing loss in both ears, and as many as ten percent have a loss in one ear. An estimated one to two percent of school-aged children are permanently hearing impaired.

Hearing loss during infancy and toddler years affects the critical stages for language development. A child's ability to learn to speak depends largely on the severity of the loss. So, it is important to diagnose a hearing loss as soon as possible in order to minimize speech deficiencies.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of hearing loss will enable early detection and treatment. Contact your pediatrician if:
* Loud noises do not startle your child by 3 or 4 months of age or if the child does not turn towards the source of a sound.
* The child notices you only when he or she sees you.
* The child does not experiment with sounds other than gargles and other vibrating noises that he or she can feel.
* By one year of age, speech is delayed or hard to understand. Single words such as "dada" or "mama" are not spoken.
* The child does not always respond when called.
* Your child has a cleft lip or palate, kidney disease, short stature or other birth defects.
* The child hears some sounds but not others.
* The child hears poorly and has trouble holding his head steady. Unsupported sitting or walking is slow.

Ear wax may be a cause of hearing loss in children who have previously shown no hearing problems. When an excessive amount of wax is produced, it hardens and blocks the ear canal. Ear drops to soften the wax, and or a ear wash may be recommended by your healthcare provider. Some hearing losses can be treated with medications. Others can be treated surgically. Immunizing your child against Rubella, or German Measles is an important way to prevent what was in the past on of the most common cause of deafness in children.

Hearing aids may be used to assist with limited hearing. Special education that includes speech and language therapy is important to hearing impaired children. Lip reading and sign language will allow a deaf child to communicate with his family and friends.

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