Learning that a newborn has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally challenging experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future has in store. But the good news is: With early diagnosis and treatment, babies with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong connections with the world around them, leading to a vibrant, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two highly helpful tools for helping infants with hearing loss. We’ll discover how they work and offer guidance on selecting the best option for your child’s needs.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Infants
Causes of infant hearing loss: Numerous factors to consider:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Genetic infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Issues that might arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early detection is critical. That’s why infants in the United States are screened for hearing loss before they leave 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) started by 6 months
Reaching these developmental milestones is critical for babies to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. If you need guidance on these assessments, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
For babies with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first avenue of treatment. These tiny, portable devices boost audio signals, allowing infants to better detect and understand voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that adjust as the baby grows
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Specifically tailored by a pediatric hearing expert to fit your child’s distinct auditory needs
As your baby develops, it will be required to routinely 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 receive sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Restore hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
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
- Suggested only after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing exams, and discussions about long-term expectations 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Options: A Final Analysis
After a diagnosis of hearing loss in your infant, numerous choices and resources are accessible to assist you navigate this journey. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, the majority of young patients are able to obtain language abilities that are equivalent to those of their peers.
Taking swift action can have a far-reaching and lasting effect on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.
Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Get in touch with to us today for a complete assessment and individualized 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.