For parents of newborns, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. But the good news is: With early diagnosis and intervention, babies with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, resulting in a dynamic, rewarding life!
Two of the most useful tools for assisting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Below, we take a look at how they work and how to know which one is right for your child.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various factors to think about:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Complications at birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early detection is crucial. Babies in the United States go through 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 critical for infants to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For individualized advice on these assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies
For infants with mild to severe hearing loss, hearing aids are often the first line of treatment. These tiny, portable devices amplify audio signals, enabling infants to better detect and comprehend voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Appropriate for newborns just a few weeks old
- Made with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery compartments and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your baby grows, it will be required to routinely update and tweak the hearing aids to guarantee they fit correctly and work effectively.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
If an infant has extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t benefit enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant may 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 activate the hearing nerve
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Most effective when paired with early treatment and family support
- Suggested only after a thorough evaluation by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing tests, and conversations about long-term expectations 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
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Concluding Thoughts
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and plenty of assistance. With the help of pediatric hearing experts, 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 concerns regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Get in touch with to us today for a full evaluation 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.