Learning that an infant has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally challenging experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future has in store. But the bright side is: With early detection and intervention, babies with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, leading to a dynamic, rewarding life!
Two of the most useful solutions for assisting babies with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Infants
Causes of infant hearing loss: Numerous factors to think about:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Genetic infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications during birth, including lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most important step? Early diagnosis. That’s why babies in the United States are screened for hearing loss before leaving the hospital. Pediatric hearing professionals 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 guidance on these assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are usually the first treatment option for babies who have differing degrees of hearing loss. These little, portable devices amplify 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 soft, comfortable ear molds that adjust as the baby grows
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to fit your child’s hearing profile
As your infant develops, it will be required to routinely update and tweak the hearing aids to guarantee they fit correctly and work effectively.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If an infant has extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t benefit enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant might be suggested.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically implanted
- Restore hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Transform audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Most effective when coupled with early treatment and family support
- Only suggested following a complete evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure involves the use of imaging, auditory examinations, and discussions relating to future prospects and results
How Cochlear Implants Contrast 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
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Final Thoughts
Following a diagnosis of hearing loss in your baby, a number of solutions and resources are available to assist you get through this journey. With the help of pediatric hearing experts, lots of children go on to develop 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.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’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.