If hearing loss is detected early, it permits the initiation of treatment and rehabilitation of the hearing impaired child. The earlier in a childs life this is caught, the better, because if left untreated their development progress also their learning process will be negatively affected.
The most common cause of hearing loss in young children is due to upper respiratory congestion resulting eventually in a negative pressure in the middle ear. If this remains it can result in the build-up of middle ear fluid which eventually can result in a glue ear. This then requires ENT consultation and intervention regarding myringotomy and grommet insertion.