Data on Children’s Hearing Loss Now Available Worldwide

Databank on Children with Hearing Loss

A databank has published the Victorian Childhood Hearing Impairment Longitudinal Data bank (VicCHILD) to help researchers around the world learn why some children, who have a hearing impairment, are able to adapt and develop more easily than other children. The data that was collected demonstrates how children with hearing loss have a slower development in language and speech than children with a normal hearing abilities, even when there was progress made with earlier detection and intervention within the last 10 years.

Data that was gathered over eight years has been published in the latest edition of the International Journal of Epidemiology. Researchers will be able to use this databank to provide feedback on childhood hearing loss. VicCHILD is a databank that is available for every child who has permanent hearing loss in Victoria, Australia. The collection of data began in 2012. By 2020 it is anticipated that over 1000 children will be enrolled in this databank, and will become the largest hearing databank on earth.   

Hearing Screening and Treatment

Newborns are being given hearing screenings, and hearing loss is being recognized at an earlier age than it was in the past. Typically, hearing loss can now be identified within the first few weeks of an infant’s life.

Children who have hearing loss can get early treatment by using hearing aids. As a result, these children will be given the same opportunity as their peers to learn and grow. This makes a huge impact in their quality of life from being able to comprehend language to learning. Education, as well as future employment opportunities may be affected.  

There is no guarantee that an early diagnosis and intervention for children with hearing loss will make their cognitive health outcomes equally as good as someone with normal hearing abilities, but it is helpful to detect hearing loss at its early stages in order to prevent further hearing loss. This will reduce the chances of other problems that may arise as a result of their inability to hear well. 

If you have a child, or grandchild, who is experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids.

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