For parents of newborns, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. Babies with hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and intervention, which is good news. Indeed, they are able to acquiring linguistic abilities, refining their communication skills, and forming profound connections with their surroundings, inevitably bring about a rich and fulfilling existence.
Two of the most effective solutions for assisting babies with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in infants can be caused by a range of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Genetic infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Problems that may occur during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most significant step? Early diagnosis. Babies in the United States undergo hearing loss screening before being discharged from the hospital. Pediatric hearing experts 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 crucial for infants to reach 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 usually the initial treatment solution for babies who have varying degrees of hearing impairment. These tiny, portable devices boost audio signals, enabling infants to better hear and understand voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for newborns just a few weeks old
- Made with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- Offering secure battery doors and child-friendly design elements
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your infant grows, it will be necessary to routinely update and tweak the hearing aids to guarantee they fit properly and work properly.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant might be recommended for an infant with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not receive adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Cochlear implants are:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Accomplish best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only recommended following a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing tests, and discussions 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 Solutions: A Concluding Analysis
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and a lot of assistance. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who deal 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 intervention can make a lifelong difference.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing health? Contact us now to set up a comprehensive assessment and customized treatment 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.