Dr. Nagasirisha Naredla
Pediatrics
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My 2-year-old son got encephalitis 40 days back, and he was discharged in five days from the hospital. He recovered very well. We noticed hearing loss from one month. BERA test report shows profound hearing loss, but MRI and CT are fine. My doctor suggested a cochlear implant. But we want to know if any other alternative is possible like giving steroids?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Surviving encephalitis is like getting another life, given its drastic complications. But the risk of developing long term complications often creates problems. Hearing loss occurs in approximately 2 to 4% following brain infection. It was rightly detected with BERA (brainstem evoked response audiometry). Having profound hearing loss means it is a severe form of hearing loss.
Options for the treatment of hearing loss:
1) Treating the underlying condition, if still persisting (in your case it is already cured).
2) Hearing aids, as many varieties are available. It improves hearing but does not restore hearing to normal.
3) Cochlear implants for severe to profound sensory neural hearing loss, or when hearing aids fail.
The younger the child at the time of hearing loss, and the delay in diagnosis can affect hearing and communication skills. As your child is above 2 years, and you have identified the problem early enough, the main aim is to develop his communication skills, which can happen with adequate hearing. And good results are achieved with proper treatment.
Giving steroids for your child would not solve this problem. Steroids are given during the acute infection process of the disease to prevent some complications from occurring. Your child would require a multidisciplinary approach including pediatrician, audiologist, speech therapist, ENT specialist, and psychologist, or behavior therapist if required.
Going for cochlear implant seems to be the better option for your child. Because hearing can affect communication and interaction, it has to be tackled properly with appropriate treatment options. Observe for visual difficulties, because they would depend on the vision for understanding the language until they have good hearing. Cochlear implants are also known to give better vocabulary compared to hearing aids. You can discuss treatment options with a ENT specialist.
I hope this helps.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Pediatrics
Related Questions
Are my weakness and confusion due to low sugar or stroke?
How to reduce the anger of my son?
Will my mild hearing loss reverse by itself?
Will typhoid cause hearing loss?
Will there be hearing loss on using noise cancellation headphones 10 hours a day?
I am pregnant and I have nerve pain all over my face. What could it be?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
