Diagnostic Assessment of Progressive Fluctuating Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Children

Deterioration of auditory thresholds in young children is directly associated with negative impact on language development. Early detection of the cause of sensorineural hearing loss eases proper intervention and signalizes valuable prognostic data. Nowadays, the etiology of pediatric hearing loss has been modified, attributable to progresses in gene testing and adequate management of birth infections. This paper updates well known risk factors for progression along with fluctuation of hearing acuity involving health hazard indicators, auditory, laboratory and clinical manifestations of such young patients. This review takes into consideration the most well-known risk indicators associated with an increased likelihood of progressive hearing loss (including but not limited to neonatal intensive care unit admission, family history of hearing loss, various syndromes, prenatal and postnatal infections etc.). Prompt post neonatal monitoring of hearing, leading to early hearing loss identification, is crucial to optimize management and therefore appropriate intervention.

Keywords: Progressive hearing loss; Hearing screening; Gene testing; Children