Discovering that an infant has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally difficult experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and unclear about what the future has in store. Infants who have hearing loss can do well with early detection and intervention, which is positive news. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, leading to a vibrant, rewarding life!
Two of the most reliable solutions for assisting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Below, we will have a look at how they work and how to know which one is right for your child.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Infants
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various aspects to think about:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Congenital infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications at birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most important step? Early diagnosis. That’s why infants in the United States are screened for hearing loss before they leave the hospital. Pediatric specialists follow “1-3-6” hearing protocol.
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) begun by 6 months
Reaching these developmental milestones is crucial for babies to reach optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For individualized advice on these assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies
For babies with mild to severe hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first line of treatment. These tiny, portable devices boost audio signals, allowing infants to better detect and comprehend voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for newborns just a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s development
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Specifically tailored by a pediatric hearing expert to fit your child’s distinct auditory needs
As your infant develops, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to ensure proper fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
If a baby has severe 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
- Restore hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- Endorsed by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
- Most successful when coupled with early therapy and family support
- Only recommended following a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing tests, 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: Final Thoughts
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and plenty of assistance. With the assistance of pediatric hearing experts, many children go on to establish language skills that are on par with 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 baby’s hearing health? Contact us now to schedule a comprehensive 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.
