For parents of newborns, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. Infants who have hearing loss can do well with early detection and treatment, which is positive news. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong connections with the world around them, leading to a dynamic, rewarding life!
Two of the most effective tools for assisting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Below, we take a look at how they work and how to know which one is best for your child.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Infants
Causes of infant hearing loss: Numerous aspects to think about:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Genetic infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Issues that might arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most important step? Early detection. Infants in the United States go through hearing loss assessment before being discharged from the hospital. Pediatric professionals adhere to “1-3-6” hearing protocol.
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) started by 6 months
Reaching these developmental milestones is essential for infants to reach optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For personalized advice on these screenings, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies
Hearing aids are usually the initial treatment option for babies who have differing degrees of hearing loss. These tiny, portable devices boost audio signals, enabling infants to better detect and understand voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s growth
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to fit your child’s hearing profile
As your infant develops, it will be required to routinely update and modify the hearing aids to ensure they fit correctly and work effectively.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If an infant has extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t improve enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant might be recommended.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically embeded
- Restore hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- 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
- Most effective when paired with early therapy and family support
- Recommended only after a thorough evaluation by an audiologist and 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Options: A Final Analysis
After a diagnosis of hearing loss in your baby, a number of solutions and resources are accessible to assist you navigate this experience. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, most young patients are able to obtain language skills that are comparable to those of their peers.
Whether your child is a candidate for hearing aids or cochlear implants, early action can make a lifelong difference.
Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing health? Get in touch with to us today for a complete assessment 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.