Discovering that a newborn has hearing loss can be a devastating and emotionally difficult experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future holds. Babies with hearing loss can do well with early detection and treatment, which is positive news. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, leading to a vibrant, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two highly helpful tools for assisting infants with hearing impairments. Below, we take a look at how they work 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:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Issues that might arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early detection is critical. That’s why babies in the United States are screened for hearing loss before they leave the hospital. Pediatric hearing professionals follow the “1-3-6” guideline:
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) begun by 6 months
Achieving these milestones gives babies the best opportunity for strong speech, language, and brain development. For personalized advice on these assessments, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
For infants with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are often the first avenue of treatment. These tiny, portable devices boost audio signals, enabling infants to better hear and comprehend voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for infants just a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s growth
- Outfitted 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 baby develops, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to guarantee proper fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant might be suggested for an infant with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Most successful when coupled with early therapy and family support
- Only suggested following a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process includes the use of imaging, hearing exams, and discussions relating to 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Options: A Final Analysis
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and a lot of support. With the help of pediatric hearing experts, lots of children go on to establish language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking swift action can have a profound and lasting impact 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 concerns regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Reach out to us today for a complete 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.