For parents of infants, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. But the bright side is: With early detection and treatment, 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 dynamic, rewarding life!
Two of the most useful tools for supporting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. We’ll discover how they function and offer guidance on choosing the ideal solution for your child’s needs.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Babies
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various aspects to think about:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Issues that might arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early detection is critical. Infants in the United States undergo hearing loss screening before being discharged from 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
Meeting these milestones gives babies the best chance for strong speech, language, and brain development. If you need guidance on these screenings, your pediatrician will be glad to help!
Hearing Aids for Infants
For babies with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first avenue of treatment. These little, wearable devices amplify sound, helping infants hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for newborns just a few weeks old
- Made with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- Featuring secure battery doors and child-friendly design features
- Specifically individualized by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s unique auditory needs
As your infant develops, it will be required to routinely update and tweak the hearing aids to guarantee they fit correctly and work effectively.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant might be recommended for a baby with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not receive sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are embedded with a surgical procedure
- Restore hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Cochlear implants are:
- Approved by the FDA for use in infants aged 9 to 12 months
- Most effective when coupled with early treatment and family support
- Only recommended following a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process involves the use of imaging, hearing 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
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Final Thoughts
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and a lot of support. With the assistance of pediatric hearing experts, many children go on to develop language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking prompt action can have a far-reaching and lasting impact on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to address their hearing needs.
Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Get in touch with to us today for a full assessment 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.
