Discovering that a newborn has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally difficult experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and unclear about what the future has in store. But the good news is: With early detection and treatment, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, resulting in a dynamic, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely helpful tools for helping babies with hearing impairments. Below, we will have a look at how they work and how to know which one is right for your child.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Babies
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various aspects to think about:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Genetic infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications at birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most important step? Early detection. That’s why infants in the United States are screened for hearing loss before leaving the hospital. Pediatric specialists adhere to “1-3-6” hearing protocol.
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) begun by 6 months
Achieving these milestones gives babies the best chance for healthy speech, language, and brain development. If you need guidance on these assessments, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Infants
Hearing aids are usually the first treatment solution for infants who have varying degrees of hearing impairment. These little, wearable devices amplify sound, helping babies hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for infants as young as a few weeks old
- Crafted with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s development
- Offering secure battery compartments and child-friendly design elements
- Specifically individualized by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s distinct hearing needs
As your baby develops, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to guarantee proper fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant may be recommended for a baby with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not receive sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically implanted
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Most effective when paired with early treatment and family support
- Only suggested following a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure involves the use of imaging, auditory examinations, and discussions regarding future prospects and results
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: What’s the Difference?
Hearing aids:
- Mild to severe hearing loss
- Non-Invasive
- Sound processing amplification
- Starts at Infancy
Cochlear Implants:
- Severe to profound hearing loss
- Invasive (Surgical)
- Converts Sound Electrical Signals
- Starts at 9-12 Months
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Concluding Thoughts
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and plenty of assistance. Thanks to the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, the majority of young patients are able to acquire language abilities that are comparable to those of their peers.
Taking swift action can have a profound and lasting impact on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they require hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.
Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Reach out to us today for a full evaluation and personalized care plan.
Sources:
cdc.gov/ hearing-loss-children-guide/ parents-guide/understanding-hearing-loss. html.
boystownhospital.org/knowledge-center/hearing-aids-babies.
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cochlear-implants/childrens-.
cochlear-implants.
dukehealth.org/blog/hearing-aids-vs-cochlear-implants.
