For parents of newborns, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. But the bright side is: With early detection and intervention, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong connections with the world around them, leading to a vibrant, rewarding life!
Two of the most useful solutions for assisting babies 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.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Infants
Hearing loss in babies can be triggered by a range of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Genetic infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Problems that might arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most important step? Early diagnosis. Infants in the United States undergo hearing loss screening before being released from the hospital. Pediatric specialists 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 achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For individualized advice on these assessments, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
For babies with mild to severe hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first avenue of treatment. These tiny, portable devices boost audio signals, enabling infants to better hear and understand voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Crafted with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s growth
- Featuring secure battery doors and child-friendly design features
- Specifically individualized by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s distinct hearing needs
As your infant grows, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to ensure proper fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
If an infant has severe 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 embedded with a surgical procedure
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- Approved by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
- Achieve best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only suggested after a complete evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure 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 Concluding Analysis
Following a diagnosis of hearing loss in your baby, a number of solutions and resources are accessible to assist you navigate this journey. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who work with children, the majority of young patients are able to obtain language abilities that are equivalent 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 concerns regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Contact us now to set up a complete evaluation 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.