Discovering that an infant has hearing loss can be a devastating and emotionally difficult 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. Indeed, they are able to gaining linguistic skills, improving their communication techniques, and forming profound bonds with their surroundings, ultimately bring about a rich and fulfilling life.
Two of the most reliable tools for supporting babies with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Below, we will have a look at how they function and how to know which one is right for your child.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Babies
Hearing loss in infants can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Genetic infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications during birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most important step? Early diagnosis. That’s why infants in the United States are evaluated for hearing loss before they leave the hospital. Pediatric professionals 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 crucial for infants to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. If you need guidance on these assessments, your pediatrician will be glad to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies
For infants with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first avenue of treatment. These small, wearable devices boost sound, helping babies hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for infants as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s growth
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery compartments and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your infant grows, it will be required to routinely update and tweak the hearing aids to guarantee they fit correctly and work effectively.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant may be recommended for an infant with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically implanted
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Translate sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Cochlear implants are:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Most successful when coupled with early treatment and family support
- Suggested only after a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing tests, and discussions about long-term expectations and outcomes.
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
After a diagnosis of hearing loss in your baby, a number of solutions and resources are accessible to help you navigate this journey. With the help of pediatric hearing specialists, many children go on to establish 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 long-lasting difference.
Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Call us now to schedule 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.
