For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. Babies with hearing loss can do well with early detection and treatment, which is positive news. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, resulting in a vibrant, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two highly beneficial tools for helping babies with hearing loss. 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
Hearing loss in babies can be triggered by a range of factors, including:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Genetic infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Problems that might occur during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most significant step? Early detection. That’s why infants in the United States are screened for hearing loss before they leave the hospital. Pediatric professionals follow “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. If you need guidance on these screenings, your pediatrician will be glad to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are usually the initial treatment option for babies who have varying degrees of hearing impairment. These small, wearable devices boost sound, helping infants hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Appropriate for newborns just a few weeks old
- Made with soft, comfortable ear molds that adjust as the baby grows
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your infant grows, it will be necessary to routinely update and modify the hearing aids to guarantee they fit properly and work effectively.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
If a baby has extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t benefit 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
- Translate sound into electrical signals that stimulate the auditory nerve directly
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- Endorsed by the FDA for use in infants aged 9 to 12 months
- Accomplish best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Suggested only after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This process involves the use of imaging, auditory exams, and dialogues 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Options: A Concluding Analysis
After a diagnosis of hearing loss in your baby, a number of solutions and resources are available to help you get through this experience. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, the majority of young patients are able to acquire 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 wellness? Get in touch with to us today for a complete 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.