Discovering that a newborn has hearing loss can be a devastating and emotionally difficult experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future has in store. Babies with hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and treatment, which is good news. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, leading to a vibrant, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely helpful tools for helping infants with hearing impairments. Below, we will have a look at how they function 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 variety of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Genetic infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Problems that may arise during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most significant step? Early detection. Infants in the United States undergo hearing loss screening before being discharged from the hospital. Pediatric hearing professionals follow the “1-3-6” standard:
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) begun by 6 months
Meeting these milestones gives infants the best chance for healthy speech, language, and brain development. If you need advice on these screenings, your pediatrician will be glad to help!
Hearing Aids for Infants
For infants with mild to severe hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first line of treatment. These little, wearable devices amplify sound, helping babies 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 adjust 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 infant develops, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to guarantee correct fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
If an infant has extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t benefit enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant might be recommended.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Cochlear implants are:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Most successful when paired with early therapy and family support
- Only suggested following a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing tests, 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 Solutions: A Final Analysis
After a diagnosis of hearing loss in your baby, a number of choices and resources are available to assist you get through this experience. With the help of pediatric hearing experts, many children go on to develop language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking swift action can have a profound 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.
Have questions about your child’s hearing health? Call us now to set up a comprehensive assessment and tailored 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.