For parents of newborns, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. But the good news is: With early detection and intervention, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even cultivate 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 assisting babies with hearing impairments. Below, we take a look at how they work and how to know which one is best for your child.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Babies
Hearing loss in infants can be caused by a range of factors, including:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Issues that might arise during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most important step? Early detection. That’s why infants in the United States are evaluated for hearing loss before leaving the hospital. Pediatric professionals follow “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 infants the best opportunity for healthy speech, language, and brain development. If you need advice on these assessments, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Infants
Hearing aids are frequently the first treatment option for infants who have differing degrees of hearing impairment. These little, wearable devices boost sound, helping infants hear speech and external sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for infants as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that adjust as the baby grows
- 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, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to guarantee proper fit and performance.
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 suggested.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically implanted
- Restore hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Convert sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Achieve best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only suggested after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure involves the use of imaging, auditory exams, and discussions regarding future prospects and results
How Cochlear Implants Differ from Conventional Hearing Aids
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, numerous solutions and resources are available to help you navigate this experience. With the help of pediatric hearing specialists, lots of children go on to establish language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking prompt action can have a far-reaching and long lasting effect on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they require hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing health? Call us now to schedule a complete assessment and customized treatment 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.