In many cases, a child’s hearing loss is a temporary symptom resulting from a condition that is highly treatable. Once the underlying condition is successfully treated, the child’s hearing returns to normal. Ear infections (e.g., otitis media) are by far the most common cause of this type of hearing loss in children. This condition will usually resolve on its own without any need for additional treatment. Once an ear infection clears, the child’s hearing problem should also disappear. Children who have recurrent ear infections may have small tubes surgically placed in their eardrums to help prevent fluid from building up. 

Other easily treatable problems are also frequently at the source of a child’s hearing loss. For instance, a buildup of wax can cause a child’s hearing to become muffled. This wax can be easily removed by a physician. Many other disorders can be treated with medications (e.g., oral corticosteroids) or surgery.   

However, some forms of hearing loss are more likely to be permanent. In such situations, early treatment is crucial to a successful long-term prognosis. Children with permanent hearing loss who are treated by the age of 6 months usually develop speech, language, learning and social skills similar to the level of their peers.

In many cases, a child with a hearing deficiency may require a hearing aid. This is an instrument that consists of a microphone, amplifier and receiver that amplifies sounds from the eardrum and middle ear to the inner ear. Hearing aids are available in various styles. Some are placed in or behind the ear, while others are worn on the body. If the hearing loss affects both ears, two hearing aids will likely be suggested.

The major drawback of hearing aids is expense. They can cost several hundred dollars each, and this cost is often not covered by insurance. Families who cannot afford such an expense may be eligible for government assistance to help pay for hearing aids.

Some children benefit from a specialized amplification device known as an FM system. This instrument helps a child to hear well in a noisy environment (e.g., school). Other children may benefit from learning to lip-read or from listening therapy.

Children who have profound hearing loss that cannot be helped by hearing aids may benefit from a cochlear implant. This tiny piece of electronic equipment is placed in the cochlea, where it helps transmit sound past the damaged cochlea directly to the hearing nerves. Children who have cochlear implants are often able to hear things normally and can even use the telephone.

In other cases, children with severe hearing impairment learn to use special techniques to help them communicate better. American Sign Language (ASL) is a system of hand movements that deaf people use to communicate. Hearing people can also learn ASL in order to communicate. Speech reading is another technique that involves learning to examine the movement of lips, facial expressions and gestures to help determine what a person is saying. Special schooling may also be necessary for some children who have hearing loss.