Pediatric Ear Disorders

Children with craniofacial conditions are at greater risk for ear and hearing problems, so it’s important to carefully monitor their auditory system from infancy onward. Untreated hearing loss can cause developmental problems related to speech and language, psychological and social skills, and educational performance.  

As part of Atlantic Health System Children's Health, the Goryeb Children’s Plagiocephaly Clinic provides treatment for children and adolescents with a wide range of ear and hearing disorders. These conditions may be caused by otitis, or inflammation or infection of the middle ear, head and ear trauma, and compressed ear wax, among others.

To treat hearing loss caused by chronic ear infections, medical experts at our center will often recommend the surgical insertion of tubes. These small cylinders, which are placed in the ear drum, allow air into the middle ear, thereby draining any accumulated fluid. Speech, balance and sleep problems related to the infection are often resolved and the risk of recurrent infection is reduced.

For children with mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness, our center offers the Baha® System hearing aid – an implantable medical device that improves hearing through direct bone conduction. This technology uses a digital sound processor worn behind the patient’s ear, which transfers sound vibrations through a connector to the implant.

As an alternative for those patients who won’t benefit from a conventional hearing aid, we offer cochlear implants, which are surgically placed in the inner ear and activated by a device worn externally. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged areas of the auditory system and stimulate the nerve of hearing.

To schedule an evaluation with the Goryeb Children’s Plagiocephaly Clinic audiology team, please call 973-971-4547.