For parents of newborns, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. Infants who have hearing loss can do well with early detection and treatment, which is positive news. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong connections with the world around them, leading to a dynamic, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely beneficial tools for helping infants with hearing loss.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Babies
Hearing loss in babies can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Genetic infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Issues that might arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early diagnosis is critical. That’s why babies in the United States are evaluated for hearing loss before leaving 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) begun by 6 months
Meeting these milestones gives babies the best chance for healthy speech, language, and brain development. If you need advice on these assessments, your pediatrician will be glad to help!
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, allowing infants to better hear and comprehend voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for newborns just a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that adjust as the baby grows
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Specifically individualized by a pediatric hearing professional to fit your child’s unique hearing needs
As your infant develops, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to guarantee 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 implanted with a surgical procedure
- Recover hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Achieve best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only suggested after a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing exams, and discussions about long-term expectations and outcomes.
How Cochlear Implants Differ from Conventional 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: Final Thoughts
Following a diagnosis of hearing loss in your infant, numerous choices and resources are available to help you get through this experience. With the assistance of pediatric hearing experts, lots of 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 lifelong difference.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing health? Call us now to schedule a comprehensive assessment 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.