Conductive hearing loss(middle ear) occurs when something interferes with sound
travelling to the inner ear. Usually temporary, it’s often caused by fluid from middle
ear infections but can also result from ear wax build-up or a foreign object lodged in
the ear canal.
It’s estimated that around four out of five children will experience a middle ear
infection at least once. Hearing loss can occur even after symptoms resolve because
fluid can remain in the ear.
Sensorineural hearing loss(inner ear) results from damage to the inner ear and is
permanent. It’s often present from birth but can also be acquired through exposure to
loud noise, some medicines, some viral infections, and head injuries. It exists on a
spectrum, ranging from mild to profound. Hearing aids, or for those with profound
loss, Cochlear implants, can reduce the impact of a hearing loss.
Difficulty Hearing in Noiseis a hearing issue that can occur despite a person
receiving normal results in an audiogram. While hearing in quiet may be normal,
hearing in noisy environments, such as the classroom or a restaurant, may be
extremely difficult.
Difficulty hearing in noise can be caused by a number of things including (but not
limited to): auditory processing disorder, a developmental delay, a language issue,
attention deficit and english as a second language (or bi-lingual/multilingual
capabilities).
Every child starting school should have
their hearing tested and ideally again in
Year 3 & Year 5 in line with NAPLAN.
Any child identified with learning or
behavioural problems should have their
hearing tested.
An estimated1 in 10 children suffer from
hearing losswhich left undetected can lead
to speech, learning and behavioural
problems.
The World Health Organisation recommends
that all children should have their hearing
screened around the time they start school.
Types of hearing loss
Why are hearing checks important for students?
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