Learning that a newborn has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally difficult experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future has in store. Babies with hearing loss can do well with early detection and treatment, which is good news. Indeed, they are able to gaining linguistic skills, refining their communication skills, and forming profound connections with their surroundings, ultimately giving rise to a rich and satisfying existence.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely beneficial tools for helping infants with hearing impairments.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in infants can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Congenital infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Problems that may occur during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early diagnosis is critical. Babies in the United States undergo hearing loss assessment before being released from the hospital. Pediatric professionals adhere to “1-3-6” hearing protocol.
- 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 infants to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. If you need advice on these screenings, your pediatrician will be glad to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
For infants with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first line of treatment. These small, wearable devices amplify sound, helping infants hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Appropriate for infants just a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s growth
- Offering secure battery doors and child-friendly design elements
- Specifically tailored by a pediatric hearing professional to fit your child’s unique auditory needs
As your baby develops, it will be required to routinely update and modify the hearing aids to ensure they fit correctly and work properly.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If an infant has severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t improve enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant may be suggested.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically implanted
- Recover hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Transform audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Cochlear implants are:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Most effective when coupled with early therapy and family support
- Only suggested following a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Options: A Concluding Analysis
Following a diagnosis of hearing loss in your infant, a number of choices and resources are accessible to help you navigate this experience. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, most young patients are able to acquire language skills that are comparable to those of their peers.
Whether your child is a candidate for hearing aids or cochlear implants, early action can make a long-lasting difference.
Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Call us now to set up a complete evaluation and tailored 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.