For parents of newborns, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. But the bright side is: With early detection and intervention, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong connections with the world around them, resulting in a vibrant, rewarding life!
Two of the most reliable tools for assisting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Below, we will have 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: Numerous factors to consider:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Complications during birth, including lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early detection is critical. Babies in the United States undergo hearing loss screening before being released 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 personalized guidance on these assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Infants
For infants with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first avenue of treatment. These little, portable devices boost audio signals, allowing infants to better detect and comprehend voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for infants just a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s development
- Offering secure battery doors and child-friendly design features
- Specifically tailored by a pediatric hearing professional to fit your child’s unique auditory needs
As your infant develops, it will be required to routinely update and modify the hearing aids to guarantee they fit properly and work properly.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant might be recommended for a baby with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not obtain sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- 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
- Most effective when paired with early treatment and family support
- Only recommended following a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process involves the use of imaging, hearing exams, and dialogues regarding future prospects and results
How Cochlear Implants Contrast 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 options and a lot of support. 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.
Have questions about your child’s hearing health? Get in touch with to us today for a full assessment 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.
