For parents of newborns, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. But the bright side is: With early diagnosis and treatment, 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!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two highly beneficial tools for assisting infants with hearing loss. Below, we take a look at how they function and how to know which one is best for your child.
Understanding Infant Hearing Loss
Causes of infant hearing loss: Numerous factors to think about:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Issues that may occur during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early diagnosis is crucial. Infants in the United States go through hearing loss assessment before being discharged from the hospital. Pediatric specialists follow “1-3-6” hearing protocol.
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) begun by 6 months
Achieving these milestones gives babies the best chance for strong speech, language, and brain development. For personalized guidance on these screenings, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are frequently the first treatment option for infants who have differing degrees of hearing impairment. These small, wearable devices amplify sound, helping infants hear speech and external sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Made with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery compartments and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to fit your child’s hearing profile
As your baby grows, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to ensure correct fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant may be recommended for an infant with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not receive sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically embeded
- 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 babies as young as 9-12 months
- Most successful when paired with early treatment and family support
- Only suggested after a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process includes the use of imaging, hearing 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 solutions 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 long-lasting difference.
Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Reach out to us today for a full evaluation and individualized 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.