{"id":25009,"date":"2025-06-24T21:48:24","date_gmt":"2025-06-24T12:18:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging-cs.lexweb.studio\/?post_type=blog_article&p=25009"},"modified":"2025-06-24T21:48:24","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T12:18:24","slug":"together-we-help-children-hear-interview-with-a-specialist-our-experience-and-advice","status":"publish","type":"blog_article","link":"https:\/\/staging-cs.lexweb.studio\/en\/blog_article\/together-we-help-children-hear-interview-with-a-specialist-our-experience-and-advice\/","title":{"rendered":"TOGETHER WE HELP CHILDREN HEAR: INTERVIEW WITH A SPECIALIST, OUR EXPERIENCE AND ADVICE"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hearing loss in a child is not a sentence \u2014 it\u2019s a challenge. And it can be overcome.
\nParental care, professional support, and proper technical equipment \u2014 these are the three key things that shape the future of a child with hearing impairment.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

But it\u2019s important not to underestimate the problem. Even partial hearing loss can cause many difficulties<\/strong> \u2014 from delays in general development to challenges with communication and social interaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

A child may feel isolated<\/strong> and unable to express their emotions. This can lead to frustration, irritability, or even aggression. Their curiosity and learning can suffer. They may fall behind their peers and later face problems at school. Coordination and spatial awareness also become weaker, which lowers activity levels and slows down overall development.<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to act early<\/strong>. Waiting too long can lead to changes in the child\u2019s brain and body that may be hard \u2014 or even impossible \u2014 to reverse.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this blog, we share useful information and practical advice for parents of children with hearing loss. Our expert is Dr. Olena Matiukhina from the \u201cMedytsentr\u201d clinic.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Olena is a first-category ENT and audiologist with more than ten years of experience and a member of the Association of Pediatric ENT Specialists of Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

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Interview with the specialist: it\u2019s interesting and useful to know…<\/b><\/h2>\n

🔹 Why can a child have hearing loss<\/strong><\/span>?<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing loss can be either congenital or acquired. Let\u2019s first look at the causes of congenital hearing problems:<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u00a0– Infections the mother had during pregnancy, such as rubella, flu, cytomegalovirus, herpes, or syphilis, can affect the baby\u2019s hearing.<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u00a0– Genetic factors passed down from parents can also lead to hearing loss.<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u00a0– Complications during pregnancy, birth trauma, and a lack of oxygen at birth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Acquired hearing loss, which develops after birth, can be caused by injuries, ear infections (otitis), meningitis, exposure to loud noise (especially relevant during wartime), or certain medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

🔹 How can you tell if a child needs a hearing test<\/strong><\/span>?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Newborns have their hearing checked in the maternity hospital as part of standard newborn screening. <\/span>But as the child grows, parents can notice signs on their own.<\/span><\/p>\n

❗<\/span>Here are some \u201cred flags\u201d to look out for:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0– The child doesn\u2019t react to loud, sudden noises nearby (like a pot lid falling or someone speaking loudly)<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u00a0– Doesn\u2019t respond to their name or when spoken to<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u00a0– Speech isn\u2019t developing or is clearly delayed<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u00a0– Turns the TV or music up very loud, often asks people to repeat things<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u00a0– Has trouble learning and interacting with others<\/span><\/p>\n

If you notice any of these signs, it\u2019s important to see an audiologist for a consultation.<\/span><\/p>\n

🔹 Can a child\u2019s hearing change over time if there\u2019s already a problem<\/strong><\/span>?\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Yes, hearing can gradually change \u2014 often for the worse. <\/span>It depends on the cause of the hearing issue, how often the child gets ear infections or other illnesses, their overall health, and other factors. <\/span>That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to do regular hearing checkups and keep an eye on your child\u2019s development in general.<\/span><\/p>\n

🔹 What role do hearing aids play<\/strong><\/span>?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Hearing aids open up the full world of sound for a child. It\u2019s not just about hearing \u2014 it\u2019s also about development, learning, emotions, and connecting with others.<\/span>
\n<\/span>Hearing aids help a child gain important skills. For some kids, they\u2019re a doorway into a whole new world where they can finally do things that once felt out of reach:<\/strong>
\n<\/span>\u00a0– hear speech and everyday sounds;
\n– speak and hear themselves;
\n– learn more easily at school;
\n– talk and play with other children;
\n– explore music, dancing, and foreign languages;
\n– watch movies and cartoons without sign language.<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s why early hearing correction is so important \u2014 it helps the child grow and improves their overall quality of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

🔹 When should hearing aids be fitted<\/strong><\/span>?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

A hearing aid should be fitted as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed. <\/span>This is one of those cases where you really shouldn\u2019t wait, because the fastest development in a child\u2019s life happens during the first three years. <\/span>The earlier a child gets help, the better results they will have in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

🔹 How long can a child use a hearing aid<\/strong><\/span>?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Modern hearing aids are designed for long-term use. <\/span>They are durable and work well if properly cared for. <\/span>If needed, specialists can adjust the settings over time to match the child\u2019s age and hearing needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

🔹 Can a child with hearing loss live a full life<\/strong><\/span>?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Yes, absolutely. <\/span>If the problem is diagnosed in time, children with hearing loss are no different from other kids. <\/span>They communicate and socialize, make friends, play games, study successfully in school, and take part in different clubs and activities. <\/span>They go on to choose a profession, build a career, and live fulfilling lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

🔹 Is there any government or charitable support<\/strong><\/span>?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Yes. If a child has hearing loss, parents in Ukraine can receive help through the following programs and organizations:<\/strong>
\n<\/span>\u00a0– Government programs that provide free hearing aids or cochlear implants<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u00a0– Regional support programs (through local social services)<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u00a0– Charitable foundations that assist families in difficult life situations<\/span>
\n<\/span>\u00a0– International humanitarian initiatives, especially those focused on helping people affected by the war<\/span><\/p>\n

🔹 What should parents do if they learn their child has hearing loss<\/strong><\/span>?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

First, I want to stress two things parents <\/span>should not do<\/b>: <\/span>Don\u2019t panic, and don\u2019t delay.<\/b><\/p>\n

What should you do next?<\/strong>
\n<\/span>See an audiologist for a full diagnosis<\/span>
\n<\/span>Get a hearing aid or cochlear implant (if needed)<\/span>
\n<\/span>Work with a speech therapist, special education teacher, and surdopedagogue<\/span>
\n<\/span>Give your child as much love, support, and confidence as you can<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember: your reaction plays a big role in how your child feels and how they understand the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

🔹 How do children react to using a hearing aid for the first time<\/strong><\/span>?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

It depends, but it\u2019s always an emotional moment. <\/span>Young children often smile, laugh, or look surprised. <\/span>Older kids might feel shy or nervous at first, but with support from their parents, they usually get used to it quickly. <\/span>The first reactions are always touching \u2014 it\u2019s the first time the child hears their mother\u2019s voice, birds singing, or the sound of the wind.<\/span><\/p>\n