Learning that a newborn has hearing loss can be a devastating and emotionally challenging experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and unclear about what the future has in store. But the bright side is: With early detection and treatment, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, leading to a vibrant, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely helpful tools for helping infants with hearing loss. Below, we take a look at how they work and how to know which one is right for your child.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various aspects to consider:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Congenital infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Problems that may arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early diagnosis is critical. That’s why infants in the United States are evaluated for hearing loss before they leave the hospital. Pediatric professionals follow “1-3-6” hearing protocol.
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) started by 6 months
Achieving these milestones gives babies the best opportunity for healthy speech, language, and brain development. For personalized guidance on these screenings, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Infants
For babies with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are often the first avenue of treatment. These small, wearable devices boost sound, helping babies hear speech and external sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for infants as young as a few weeks old
- Made with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your baby develops, it will be necessary to regularly update and modify the hearing aids to guarantee they fit correctly and work effectively.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant may be suggested for a baby with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically implanted
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Accomplish best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only recommended following a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process includes the use of imaging, auditory exams, and dialogues relating to 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
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Concluding Thoughts
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot of support. With the help of pediatric hearing specialists, lots of children go on to establish language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking prompt action can have a far-reaching and lasting impact on a child’s life, regardless of whether they require hearing aids or cochlear implants to address their hearing needs.
Have questions about your child’s hearing health? Call us now to set up a complete evaluation and customized 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.