Discovering that a newborn has hearing loss can be a devastating and emotionally challenging experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future has in store. Babies who have hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and intervention, which is good news. Indeed, they are capable of gaining linguistic abilities, improving their communication skills, and forming profound bonds with their surroundings, ultimately bring about a rich and fulfilling life.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two highly beneficial tools for helping infants with hearing loss.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Infants
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various factors to think about:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Problems that may arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most important step? Early detection. That’s why babies in the United States are screened 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 essential for infants to reach optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For personalized guidance on these assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies
Hearing aids are frequently the initial treatment option for babies who have varying degrees of hearing impairment. These little, portable devices amplify audio signals, enabling infants to better hear and understand voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for infants just a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- Featuring secure battery doors and child-friendly design elements
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to fit your child’s hearing profile
As your infant develops, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to ensure correct fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant might be suggested 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 implanted with a surgical procedure
- Recover hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Translate sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Cochlear implants are:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Achieve best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Recommended only after a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure involves the use of imaging, auditory examinations, and discussions relating to future prospects and results
How Cochlear Implants Differ from Traditional 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
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot of support. With the help of pediatric hearing specialists, many 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.
Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing health? Reach out to us today for a full evaluation 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.
