For parents of newborns, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. But the bright side is: With early diagnosis and treatment, babies with hearing loss can thrive. Indeed, they are capable of gaining linguistic skills, refining their communication techniques, and forming profound connections with their surroundings, ultimately giving rise to a rich and fulfilling life.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two highly helpful tools for assisting infants with hearing impairments.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Infants
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various aspects to think about:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Issues that might occur during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early diagnosis is critical. Babies in the United States go through hearing loss assessment before being released 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) started by 6 months
Meeting these milestones gives infants the best chance for strong speech, language, and brain development. For individualized guidance on these assessments, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
For babies with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are often the first avenue of treatment. These little, wearable devices boost sound, helping infants hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s development
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery compartments and pediatric-specific features
- Specially individualized by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s unique hearing needs
As your infant grows, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to ensure correct fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant may be suggested for an infant with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Recover hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Convert sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Most effective when coupled with early therapy and family support
- Only recommended following a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes the use of imaging, auditory examinations, and dialogues regarding future prospects and results
How Cochlear Implants Differ from Traditional 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
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Concluding Thoughts
Following a diagnosis of hearing loss in your baby, a number of solutions and resources are accessible to assist you navigate this journey. With the help of pediatric hearing specialists, many children go on to develop language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking swift action can have a far-reaching and lasting effect on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.
Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Call us now to schedule a complete evaluation 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.