Tinnitus is a well-known affliction among adults, however the disorder also strikes children. Children are equally at risk for this potentially debilitating disorder. While adults can usually determine that the sounds they are hearing are abnormal, many kids assume the noise is a regular part of life. Listen to your child if he or she reports tinnitus symptoms as they may be a result of an underlying problem.
There are many different conditions that can cause a person of any age to experience tinnitus.
Among the many potential causes are circulatory problems, hearing loss from damaging noise, a build-up of wax in the ear canal, a misalignment in the jaw joints, and trauma to the neck and head. Slow-growing tumors on nerves in the face and ears can also cause tinnitus. Bring your child to your family doctor to rule out any specific ear problems. If there are not any obvious issues, you will likely be referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist or audiologist for further investigation.
If the examination uncovers a specific reason for your child’s tinnitus, the issue can usually be alleviated by addressing the underlying problem. Unfortunately, many incidences of tinnitus are not associated with a specific issue. If there is no clear cause, addressing the problem can be difficult, making it more constructive for you to focus on helping your child cope.
Tinnitus can be distracting, making it difficult for your child to pay attention at home or at school. Background noise is an effective way to fight back against this problem. Run a fan or soft music in the background while your child is at home. Hearing aids can be helpful for children with hearing loss by helping them filter out distractions and focus on important sounds.
Tinnitus can cause some kids to experience psychological distress. If this is the case with your child, it is important to be reassuring and supportive. Make sure your child understands that tinnitus is a common problem that affects many other kids. Ask your audiologist about how you can explain tinnitus to your child in a way that makes sense to them. Take steps to help your child deal with stressful situations, as many children find that stress can make their tinnitus symptoms much worse.
Always keep in mind that many children outgrow their tinnitus without intervention, so it may cease to be an issue. While tinnitus can be difficult to deal with, in time your child will likely overcome it.