Hearing loss

Abstract

Complications do not occur often in the management of children with hearing loss. Instead, the problems inherent in the evaluation and management of children with hearing loss primarily involve: (1) failure to identify an underlying cause, (2) failure to communicate effectively with parents about alternatives for management, and (3) recommending inappropriate medical or surgical intervention. Of course, with otologic surgery, complications such as worse hearing postoperatively, injury to the facial nerve, damage to the dura with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and even meningitis from postoperative infection can occur. This chapter provides information about pearls and pitfalls in the management of a child with hearing impairment as well as the audiologic evaluation. Useful approaches in hearing measurement, medical diagnosis, and the habilitation of hearing-impaired children are described.