ASSESSING SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS AND HEARING AID EFFICACY: A STUDY OF PRESCHOOL AND SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

Abstract

Hearing is a fundamental sensory pathway required for normal speech acquisition, cognitive growth, and social emotional integration during childhood. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) occurs due to damage or developmental anomalies of the cochlea, auditory nerve, or central auditory pathways. In pediatric populations, the consequences of unaddressed or late-diagnosed SNHL extend far beyond simple auditory deficits. It directly causes profound speech delay, cognitive impairments, behavioral difficulties, and limited academic performance.