Learning that a newborn has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally challenging experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and unclear about what the future has in store. Infants with hearing loss can do well with early detection and intervention, which is positive news. Indeed, they are able to gaining linguistic skills, refining their communication techniques, and forming profound bonds with their surroundings, inevitably bring about a rich and satisfying existence.
Two of the most reliable solutions for supporting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Babies
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various factors to think about:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Complications during birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Medications often 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 specialists adhere to “1-3-6” hearing protocol.
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) begun by 6 months
Reaching these developmental milestones is critical for infants 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 Infants
Hearing aids are frequently the first treatment option for babies who have differing degrees of hearing impairment. These little, wearable devices amplify sound, helping infants hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for infants just a few weeks old
- Crafted with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s growth
- Outfitted 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 grows, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to guarantee correct fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant might be suggested for an infant with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically embeded
- Recover hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Convert sound into electrical signals that stimulate the auditory nerve directly
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Most effective when coupled with early therapy and family support
- Only recommended after a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure involves the use of imaging, hearing exams, and dialogues regarding 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: Concluding Thoughts
Following a diagnosis of hearing loss in your infant, a number of choices and resources are available to assist you navigate this experience. Thanks to the expertise of hearing specialists who work with children, the majority of young patients are able to acquire language skills that are equivalent 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.
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.
