For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. But the good news is: With early diagnosis and treatment, babies with hearing loss can thrive. 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 helpful tools for assisting babies with hearing impairments. We’ll explore how they function and offer guidance on choosing the ideal option for your child’s needs.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Babies
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various aspects to think about:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Complications at birth, including lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most important step? Early diagnosis. Infants in the United States go through hearing loss assessment 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) begun by 6 months
Reaching these developmental milestones is crucial for babies to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. If you need advice on these screenings, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are usually the first treatment option for infants who have varying degrees of hearing loss. These little, wearable devices boost sound, helping babies hear speech and external sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for newborns just a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s development
- Featuring secure battery doors and child-friendly design elements
- Specially individualized by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s distinct hearing needs
As your baby grows, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to ensure 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 may be suggested.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are embedded with a surgical procedure
- Restore hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Transform audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Accomplish best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Suggested only after a thorough assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure involves the use of imaging, auditory examinations, and discussions regarding future prospects and results
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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Options: A Final Analysis
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and a lot of assistance. Thanks to the expertise of hearing specialists who work with children, most young patients are able to obtain language skills that are equivalent to those of their peers.
Taking swift action can have a far-reaching and long lasting effect on a child’s life, regardless of whether they require hearing aids or cochlear implants to address their hearing needs.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing health? Contact us now to schedule a complete evaluation 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.