At Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic, we are always dedicated to raising awareness about hearing health, and today, we are shedding light on an often-overlooked risk: the “kiss of deaf.” While many of us might think of a kiss as an innocent gesture of affection, when it comes to kissing someone’s ear, particularly a baby or small child, the consequences can be far more serious than you might expect.
What Is the “Kiss of Deaf”
The “kiss of deaf” refers to a condition known as Cochlear Ear-Kiss Injury. It occurs when someone kisses the opening of the ear, creating a suction effect. While this might sound harmless, the pressure can be strong enough to cause damage to the eardrum, leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Dr. Levi Reiter, a hearing expert at Hofstra University who has studied this phenomenon for over 30 years, has found that ear-kiss injury can lead to hearing damage with a characteristic pattern of hearing loss. Specifically, patients with this condition often experience a diminished ability to hear unvoiced consonants like “ch” and “sh” — sounds that are crucial for speech comprehension.
Why Is It Dangerous?
The danger of an ear kiss lies in the delicate structure of the ear, especially in babies and small children whose ear canals are still developing. The eardrum is a sensitive membrane, and even small amounts of pressure can cause it to rupture, resulting in hearing loss.
Other symptoms of Cochlear Ear-Kiss Injury can include:
- Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears): A constant ringing or buzzing sound that seems to come from within the ear.
- Sensitivity to Sound: Some individuals may experience pain or discomfort when exposed to loud noises.
- Distorted Hearing: Sounds may seem muffled or unclear, making communication difficult.
- Aural Fullness: A feeling of congestion or fullness in the ear, similar to the sensation of having water trapped in the ear.
Babies and Children Are at Greater Risk
Babies, in particular, are at a much higher risk due to their smaller ear canals and more delicate eardrum structure. A seemingly harmless kiss near their ear could lead to irreversible hearing damage. Parents and caregivers should be especially mindful and avoid kissing a child’s ear.
While we often think of blows to the head, loud noises like firecrackers, or accidents involving Q-tips as common causes of unilateral hearing loss (hearing loss in just one ear), Dr. Reiter suggests that the “kiss of deaf” could be a significant, yet underrecognized cause of hearing loss in children.
Unilateral Hearing Loss: A Growing Concern
Unilateral hearing loss is a serious issue that can affect a child’s speech development, language skills, and academic performance. It can occur suddenly, and many parents may not immediately realize the cause. Dr. Reiter’s research suggests that the “kiss of deaf” could be contributing to a rising number of cases of unexplained unilateral hearing loss, particularly in children.
No Cure, But Prevention Is Key
Unfortunately, once a Cochlear Ear-Kiss Injury has occurred, there is currently no known treatment or cure to reverse the damage. This makes prevention especially important. The simplest way to prevent this type of injury is by keeping kisses away from the ears. While showing affection is vital, consider redirecting kisses to other parts of the face or body, away from the sensitive ear area.
Conclusion
At Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic, we want to help protect the hearing health of your loved ones. While a kiss on the cheek or forehead is a beautiful way to express affection, kissing near the ear can cause lasting harm. Always be mindful of where your kisses land, especially when it comes to babies and small children. And if you ever notice any changes in hearing or other symptoms such as ringing in the ears, it’s essential to seek professional advice as soon as possible.