For parents of newborns, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. But the good news is: With early detection and intervention, babies with hearing loss can thrive. Indeed, they are able to gaining linguistic abilities, improving their communication skills, and forming profound bonds with their surroundings, ultimately bring about a rich and fulfilling life.
Two of the most useful tools for supporting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. We’ll discover how they function and provide guidance on selecting the best option for your child’s needs.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Causes of infant hearing loss: Numerous factors to consider:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Issues that may arise during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most important step? Early detection. Infants in the United States undergo hearing loss screening before being discharged from 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
Meeting these milestones gives babies the best opportunity for healthy speech, language, and brain development. If you need advice on these screenings, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies
Hearing aids are frequently the first treatment option for babies who have differing degrees of hearing impairment. These tiny, portable devices amplify audio signals, enabling infants to better hear and comprehend voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for infants as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s development
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Specially individualized by a pediatric hearing professional to fit your child’s unique auditory needs
As your infant grows, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to guarantee proper fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant might be suggested for an infant with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- Translate sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Cochlear implants are:
- Approved by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
- Accomplish best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Suggested only after a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing tests, and conversations about long-term expectations 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 baby, a number of choices and resources are available to assist you navigate this journey. With the assistance of pediatric hearing experts, 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 intervention can make a lifelong difference.
Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Call us now to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and customized treatment 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.