Learning that an infant has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally challenging experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and unclear about what the future holds. Infants with hearing loss can do well with early detection and intervention, which is good news. Indeed, they are capable of gaining linguistic abilities, refining their communication techniques, and forming profound bonds with their surroundings, ultimately bring about a rich and fulfilling life.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely beneficial tools for assisting infants with hearing loss. Below, we take a look at how they function and how to know which one is best for your child.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Babies
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various factors to think about:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Congenital infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications during birth, including lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most significant step? Early diagnosis. Babies in the United States go through hearing loss screening before being discharged from the hospital. Pediatric professionals adhere to “1-3-6” hearing protocol.
- 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 healthy speech, language, and brain development. If you need advice on these assessments, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are usually the initial treatment solution for babies who have differing degrees of hearing impairment. These little, portable devices amplify audio signals, enabling infants to better detect and comprehend voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s development
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery compartments and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your infant grows, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to ensure correct fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
If a baby has severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t improve enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant might be recommended.
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 stimulate the hearing nerve
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Most effective when paired with early treatment and family support
- Only recommended after a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing tests, and conversations about long-term expectations and results.
How Cochlear Implants Differ from Traditional 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Solutions: A Final Analysis
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and plenty of support. Thanks to the expertise of hearing specialists who work with children, most young patients are able to acquire language skills that are equivalent to those of their peers.
Whether your child is a candidate for hearing aids or cochlear implants, early action can make a long-lasting difference.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Reach out to us today for a full evaluation 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.