Learning that a newborn has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally challenging experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future holds. But the good news is: With early diagnosis 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 reliable tools for supporting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Below, we will have a look at how they function and how to know which one is right for your child.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in babies can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth such as 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)
Early detection is crucial. That’s why infants in the United States are screened for hearing loss before they leave the hospital. Pediatric hearing experts 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 babies the best opportunity for healthy speech, language, and brain development. If you need guidance on these assessments, your pediatrician will be glad to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are frequently the initial treatment option for babies who have varying degrees of hearing loss. These little, portable devices amplify audio signals, enabling infants to better detect and comprehend voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Appropriate for infants just a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that adjust as the baby grows
- Featuring secure battery compartments and child-friendly design elements
- Specially individualized by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s unique auditory needs
As your infant grows, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to ensure correct fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If a baby has severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t benefit enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant might be suggested.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically implanted
- Recover hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- Approved by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
- Accomplish best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only recommended after a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing exams, and conversations 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
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Concluding Thoughts
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot of assistance. Thanks to the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, most young patients are able to obtain language skills that are equivalent to those of their peers.
Whether your child is a candidate for hearing aids or cochlear implants, early intervention can make a long-lasting difference.
Have questions about your child’s hearing health? Get in touch with to us today for a full assessment and individualized 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.