For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. Babies with hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and intervention, which is positive news. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, resulting in a vibrant, rewarding life!
Two of the most effective tools for supporting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. We’ll discover how they work and provide guidance on choosing the best solution for your child’s needs.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Babies
Hearing loss in babies can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Congenital infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Issues that may arise during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most important step? Early diagnosis. Babies in the United States undergo hearing loss screening before being discharged from the hospital. Pediatric hearing professionals follow the “1-3-6” standard:
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) started by 6 months
Reaching these developmental milestones is essential for babies to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. If you need advice on these assessments, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are frequently the initial treatment solution for infants who have differing degrees of hearing impairment. These small, wearable devices boost sound, helping infants hear speech and environmental 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
- Featuring secure battery compartments and child-friendly design elements
- Specifically individualized by a pediatric hearing expert to fit your child’s unique hearing needs
As your baby develops, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to guarantee correct fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant might be suggested for an infant with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically embeded
- Restore hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Cochlear implants are:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 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 tests, and discussions about long-term expectations 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 Options: A Final Analysis
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot of assistance. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, most young patients are able to acquire language abilities that are comparable to those of their peers.
Taking prompt action can have a far-reaching and long lasting impact on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to address their hearing needs.
Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? 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.