For parents of newborns, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. Infants who have hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and intervention, which is good news. Indeed, they are able to acquiring linguistic abilities, improving their communication skills, and forming profound connections with their surroundings, ultimately bring about a rich and satisfying existence.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely beneficial tools for assisting infants with hearing impairments.
Understanding Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in infants can be triggered by a range of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Congenital infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Issues that might arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most important step? Early detection. That’s why infants in the United States are screened for hearing loss before they leave 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
Achieving these milestones gives infants the best chance for strong speech, language, and brain development. For individualized guidance on these assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are usually the first treatment option for babies who have varying degrees of hearing impairment. These small, wearable devices amplify sound, helping infants hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Crafted with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s growth
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery compartments and pediatric-specific features
- Specially tailored by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s unique hearing needs
As your infant develops, it will be required to routinely update and modify the hearing aids to guarantee they fit correctly and work properly.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
If a baby has extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t improve enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant may be recommended.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically embeded
- Recover hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Convert sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Cochlear implants are:
- Endorsed by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
- Accomplish best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only suggested after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing exams, and discussions 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Solutions: A Concluding Analysis
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and a lot of assistance. With the assistance of pediatric hearing specialists, 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 action can make a lifelong difference.
Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Call us now to set up a complete assessment and customized treatment strategy.
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.
