For parents of newborns, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. But the good news is: With early detection and treatment, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Indeed, they are capable of gaining linguistic abilities, improving their communication skills, and forming profound bonds with their surroundings, inevitably bring about a rich and fulfilling life.
Two of the most useful solutions for supporting babies with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Below, we take a look at how they work and how to know which one is best for your child.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Babies
Causes of infant hearing loss: Numerous factors to think about:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Complications at birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most significant step? Early detection. That’s why babies in the United States are evaluated for hearing loss before leaving 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) begun by 6 months
Reaching these developmental milestones is crucial for infants to reach optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For individualized guidance on these assessments, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies
Hearing aids are frequently the initial treatment solution for babies who have varying degrees of hearing loss. These little, wearable devices amplify sound, helping babies hear speech and external sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for infants as young as a few weeks old
- Crafted with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s development
- Offering secure battery doors and child-friendly design elements
- Specially individualized by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s distinct auditory needs
As your baby grows, it will be required to regularly update and tweak the hearing aids to guarantee they fit correctly and work properly.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant may be recommended for an infant with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically embeded
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert sound into electrical signals that stimulate the auditory nerve directly
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Most effective when coupled with early treatment and family support
- Only recommended following a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure involves the use of imaging, auditory exams, and dialogues regarding future prospects 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
After a diagnosis of hearing loss in your infant, a number of choices and resources are accessible to assist you navigate this journey. With the help of pediatric hearing specialists, 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 lifelong difference.
Have questions about your child’s hearing health? Contact us now to set up a comprehensive assessment 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.