Management of hearing impairment in children.

Hearing loss in children is often a silent and hidden handicap. Children with hearing loss frequently appear to be normal, and often their handicaps are not apparent. Hearing loss that is undetected and untreated can result in speech, language, and cognitive delays. Early identification and intervention with hearing inquired child improve language, communication, and cognitive skills. Sudden or progressive sensorineural hearing loss accompanied by dizziness following barotrauma should prompt consideration of traumatic perilymph fistula. Early surgical exploration is recommended to improve hearing and vestibular symptoms.