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Prenatal Care for Moms with Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is more than just an invisible condition: for many, untreated hearing loss may lead to many related medical issues.
Hearing loss has been known to cause problems to one’s emotional and physical health. In the case of pregnant women, new studies have found that hearing loss may affect the pregnancy and also their child’s health.
Hearing loss itself is not a direct cause for issues in a pregnancy – but certainly, the medical system could do more to adapt their maternal and pediatric programs to cater to those with additional needs. Here, we’ll explore the connection between hearing loss and premature births.
A Connection Between Hearing Loss and Premature Births?
A study conducted by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that many babies born to women with hearing loss are significantly more likely to have a low birth weight and be premature. Although these findings are not encouraging, the discovery helps understand the causations and find solutions to improve pregnancy outcomes for all.
Many women with hearing loss are more likely to be covered by public insurance simply based on their hearing disability. Although it has been observed that those with hearing loss usually have one or more coexisting conditions, it’s evident that Social Security and Medicare are available and willing to cover most medical treatments. This includes birth costs and prenatal care. Part of the current system is geared towards being of assistance to the whole population. Then why are babies of new and expecting mothers with hearing loss more prone to premature births and low birth weight?
Forging Strong Communication with Moms with Hearing Loss
While public insurance is readily available to cover medical expenses, there are still hurdles to communicate with anyone who experiences untreated hearing loss. As such, it is of utmost importance to ensure that patients are treating their hearing loss with annual hearing exams and the prescription of hearing aids.
When it comes to moms, specifically, it is important for medical professionals and pregnant women who experience hearing loss to establish strong communication methods.
Apart from communication barriers, many who experience hearing loss may have had frustrating experiences in the past with medical professionals. Until hearing loss is properly treated, many people may have had difficulties with understanding technical medical information.
At the same time, there is more medical professionals can do. Monika Mitra, PhD, of the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy of Brandeis University, states that before the conducted study, “There have not yet been any population-based studies about pregnancy experiences and outcomes among women with hearing loss, although a recent study of deaf women’s experiences with prenatal care found they were less satisfied with their care and were more likely to have fewer prenatal visits than hearing women.”
On a positive note, this enlightening study has drawn attention to a gap that the medical community needs to fill. This new research provides the medical community with more information on how to gear their communication methods about prenatal care with moms who are hard of hearing.
Efforts are being put forth to develop clinical interventions, prenatal care, and child healthcare programs catered to help those with hearing loss. The goal now is to move forward and change these conditions for not only new and expecting mothers but also their posterity.
For Moms-to-Be with Hearing Loss
For moms-to-be with hearing loss, it is important to establish a strong support system, stay up to date with health care knowledge, and reduce stress. Pregnancy, while it is a joyful period, can also be very stressful for everyone as they prepare for a new arrival.
Hearing health is an important part of this process. It is crucial that hearing aids and audiological information is up to date. If you haven’t had your annual hearing test or your hearing aids updated in awhile, schedule a consultation with us at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services today.
For more information on hearing loss or to have your hearing evaluated, contact us at the Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services.
