For parents of newborns, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. But the bright side is: With early detection and intervention, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Indeed, they are capable of acquiring linguistic abilities, improving their communication techniques, and forming profound connections with their surroundings, ultimately giving rise to a rich and satisfying existence.
Two of the most reliable tools for assisting babies with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. We’ll discover how they function and offer guidance on selecting the best solution for your child’s needs.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in babies can be caused by a range of factors, including:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Genetic infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Problems that may arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early diagnosis is critical. That’s why infants in the United States are evaluated for hearing loss before leaving the hospital. Pediatric hearing professionals follow the “1-3-6” guideline:
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) started by 6 months
Meeting these milestones gives infants the best opportunity for healthy speech, language, and brain development. If you need guidance on these screenings, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies
Hearing aids are usually the initial treatment solution for infants who have differing degrees of hearing impairment. These little, wearable devices amplify sound, helping infants hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- Featuring secure battery doors and child-friendly design features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your baby grows, it will be required to regularly update and tweak the hearing aids to ensure they fit correctly and work effectively.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If a baby has severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t improve enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant may be recommended.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically embeded
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- Transform audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Accomplish best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only suggested following a complete evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing exams, and discussions about long-term expectations and outcomes.
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: Final Thoughts
Following a diagnosis of hearing loss in your infant, a number of solutions and resources are accessible to assist you get through this journey. With the help of pediatric hearing specialists, many children go on to develop language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking prompt action can have a far-reaching and long lasting impact on a child’s life, regardless of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to address their hearing needs.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Reach out to us today for a complete evaluation and individualized 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.
