If your child is born with perfect hearing - don't take it for granted.

Many children develop hearing problems as they grow older. These hearing defects may be genetic or caused by illness or injury. In some cases the cause of hearing loss isn ' t even known. After birth children can suffer permanent hearing loss from head injuries or childhood infections such as meningitis, measles or chickenpox. Certain medications such as the antibiotic streptomycin and related drugs can also cause hearing loss. Ear infections (otitis media) are also a common cause for temporary hearing loss.

While you can ' t protect your children from illnesses or genetics, you can protect them from injuries and perhaps infections. Make sure your children ' s ears are cleaned properly and make sure they are protected from the elements - such as the wind, rain, and snow, etc. You can do this by making your children wear ear muffs or hats during inclement weather. You should also protect your children from loud and constant noises by having them wear ear plugs in loud environments like rock concerts and industrial work places.

Your children should also wear ear protection when playing sports. It's important that children protect their ears properly when participating in sports such as football, boxing, fencing, ice hockey, rugby and any other sort that has physical contact. Make sure your child wears the proper protective equipment and never let them take the ear guards off of their helmets. It's essential that your children know the causes and effects of hearing loss as well as how to protect their hearing.