Discovering that a newborn has hearing loss can be a devastating 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 detection and treatment, babies with hearing loss can thrive. Indeed, they are capable of acquiring linguistic skills, improving their communication techniques, and forming profound connections with their surroundings, ultimately bring about a rich and satisfying life.
Two of the most effective tools for supporting babies with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Below, we take a look at how they function and how to know which one is best for your child.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Infants
Hearing loss in babies can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Congenital infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications during birth, including lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early diagnosis is critical. Infants in the United States undergo hearing loss screening before being discharged from the hospital. Pediatric hearing experts follow the “1-3-6” guideline:
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) started by 6 months
Reaching these developmental milestones is essential for babies to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For individualized advice on these assessments, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Infants
Hearing aids are frequently the first treatment solution for infants who have varying degrees of hearing loss. These little, portable devices amplify audio signals, enabling infants to better detect and understand voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Appropriate for infants just a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- Offering secure battery doors and child-friendly design features
- Specifically tailored by a pediatric hearing expert to fit your child’s unique auditory needs
As your infant grows, it will be necessary to regularly update and modify the hearing aids to ensure they fit properly and work properly.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
If a baby has extreme 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 surgically implanted
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Transform audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Cochlear implants are:
- Approved by the FDA for use in infants aged 9 to 12 months
- Accomplish best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Suggested only after a thorough evaluation by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure involves the use of imaging, hearing exams, and discussions relating to future prospects 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 Options: A Final Analysis
After a diagnosis of hearing loss in your baby, a number of choices and resources are available to help you get through this experience. With the help 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 action can make a long-lasting difference.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Contact 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.
