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Understanding Pre-Lingual and Post-Lingual Hearing Loss in Teenagers
By Dr. Akbar Abbas
A common question we encounter is about teenagers who experience hearing loss. To address this, it is essential to understand two key concepts: pre-lingual hearing loss and post-lingual hearing loss.
What is Pre-Lingual Hearing Loss?
Pre-lingual hearing loss refers to hearing loss that occurs before a child learns language. Typically, this happens at birth or during the early months of life—before the child has had the opportunity to develop speech and language skills. When a child is born with hearing loss and has not yet started learning a language, this is categorized as pre-lingual hearing loss.
In such cases, time is critical. As I often emphasize, the first 1,000 days of life are crucial for intervention. During this period, steps like early hearing amplification or a cochlear implant should be considered so that the child can develop language skills and attend regular schooling alongside peers.
What is Post-Lingual Hearing Loss?
Post-lingual hearing loss, on the other hand, occurs after a child has already acquired language. For instance, due to illnesses such as measles, typhoid, meningitis, or other infections, a child who could previously hear and speak might lose their hearing completely in both ears.
In cases of severe post-lingual hearing loss—where even hearing aids no longer help—a cochlear implant becomes a viable option. Since the child has already learned language before the hearing loss occurred, cochlear implantation can be successful even at the age of 15, 20, or even 25.
Why Early Language Development Matters
However, if a child has congenital (since birth) hearing loss and reaches the age of 15 or 18 without having learned any language, the chances of benefiting from a cochlear implant drastically reduce. At that stage, the critical period for language acquisition has already passed, and even advanced interventions like implants may not yield significant improvement.
This is why the window for language learning is so vital. Early diagnosis and intervention can make the difference between a child integrating into mainstream education or facing lifelong communication challenges.
Further Reading & Helpful Resources
For parents, caregivers, and professionals seeking more information on hearing loss and its treatments, here are some trusted resources:
- WHO – Childhood Hearing Loss Fact Sheet: Learn about the global impact of childhood hearing loss and the importance of early detection and intervention.
- ASHA – Hearing Loss in Children: A comprehensive guide explaining causes, symptoms, and management strategies for hearing loss in children.
- NIDCD – Cochlear Implants Overview: Discover how cochlear implants work, who qualifies, and what to expect from the procedure.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine – Cochlear Implants Explained: Detailed insights from one of the leading medical institutions on cochlear implant treatments.
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