Hearing is foundational to how children learn language, develop speech, build social connections, and succeed in school. Even a mild or temporary reduction in hearing during early childhood can have a meaningful impact on development — which is why any concern about a child's hearing deserves prompt evaluation.

If your child's pediatrician has referred them for a hearing evaluation, or if you've simply noticed that something seems off — they aren't responding to their name, the TV is always too loud, or their speech isn't developing as expected — a pediatric ENT evaluation is an important next step.

Hearing loss in children is not always obvious. A child can have significant fluid behind the eardrum — and reduced hearing — with no pain, no fever, and no visible signs of infection.

Common causes of hearing loss in children

Most Common in Children

Conductive Hearing Loss

Caused by something blocking sound from reaching the inner ear — most often fluid behind the eardrum (otitis media with effusion), earwax buildup, or a structural issue. Often treatable.

Less Common

Other Types

Sensorineural hearing loss (affecting the inner ear or nerve) and mixed hearing loss also occur in children and require thorough evaluation to determine cause and management options.

The most common cause of hearing loss in young children is otitis media with effusion — fluid that accumulates behind the eardrum, often following a cold or ear infection, without necessarily causing pain or visible signs of infection. This fluid muffles sound and can persist for weeks or months without a parent or even a pediatrician realizing it is there.

Other causes include earwax impaction, anatomical differences in the ear canal or middle ear, enlarged adenoids blocking Eustachian tube function, and less commonly, inner ear or nerve-related conditions that require further specialist evaluation.

Signs your child may have hearing loss

TV Always Too Loud

Consistently needing higher volume than other family members

Speech Delay

Not meeting speech and language milestones for their age

Not Responding to Name

Especially when not making eye contact or looking at the speaker

Struggling in School

Difficulty following instructions, needing repetition, poor attention

Frequent "What?"

Asking people to repeat themselves more than expected

Inattentiveness

What looks like distraction or behavioral issues may be hearing-related

What happens at a pediatric ENT evaluation

When you bring your child to Seaside ENT for a hearing concern, Dr. Samarrai will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause. Here is what to expect:

Medical history & symptom review

Dr. Samarrai will ask about your child's ear infection history, prior hearing tests, speech development, and any relevant family history.

Physical examination

A careful examination of the ear canals and eardrums using an otoscope, checking for fluid, earwax, structural abnormalities, or signs of prior infection.

Tympanometry

A quick, painless in-office test that measures how well the eardrum moves — a reliable way to detect fluid behind the eardrum even when it isn't visible.

Referral for formal audiological testing if needed

Depending on findings, Dr. Samarrai may refer your child for a formal audiogram with a licensed audiologist to fully characterize the type and degree of hearing loss.

Treatment discussion

Based on the evaluation, Dr. Samarrai will walk you through the options — whether that's watchful waiting, ear tubes, or referral to appropriate specialists.

A note for families Your concern is valid — and early evaluation matters. Many parents are told to "wait and see" when they raise concerns about their child's hearing or speech. If something feels off, trust your instincts. The earlier a hearing issue is identified and addressed, the better the outcome for your child's language and development. Dr. Samarrai is here to give you clear answers.

Frequently asked questions

My baby passed the newborn hearing screen — can they still develop hearing loss?

Yes. The newborn hearing screen tests for hearing loss present at birth, but hearing loss can develop or become apparent later — due to recurrent ear infections, fluid buildup, or other causes. A normal newborn screen does not rule out hearing concerns that arise in the months or years after birth.

My child failed the school hearing screening — what should I do?

A failed school screening is a referral, not a diagnosis. It means your child should be evaluated more thoroughly. Schedule an appointment with a pediatric ENT as the next step. Many children who fail school screenings have fluid behind the eardrum — a treatable and temporary cause of hearing reduction.

How long can fluid behind the eardrum last?

Fluid after an ear infection often resolves on its own within a few weeks. However, in some children it persists for months — a condition called otitis media with effusion or "glue ear." If fluid is present for three months or more, or is affecting hearing or speech development, further evaluation and possible treatment is recommended.

Could my child's speech delay be caused by hearing loss?

Yes, and it is more common than many parents realize. Children learn language by hearing it — if hearing is reduced, even subtly, speech and language development can lag. An ENT evaluation is a reasonable first step when speech delay is a concern, to rule out a treatable hearing cause before pursuing speech therapy alone.

Serving Brooklyn & Staten Island families

Seaside ENT sees patients at 6818 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220 in Bay Ridge and 1191 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. Dr. Samarrai speaks both Arabic and English and welcomes families from across Brooklyn, Staten Island, and surrounding communities.

Most major insurance plans are accepted including Medicaid. If you have questions about your coverage, call our office and we will help you understand your options.

Pediatric ENT | Brooklyn & Staten Island

Concerned about your child's hearing?

Call Seaside ENT to schedule a pediatric hearing evaluation with Dr. Samarrai. Most insurance accepted.

Call (917) 992-3873

· Brooklyn & Staten Island