Learning that an infant has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally challenging experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and unclear about what the future holds. But the good news is: With early diagnosis and intervention, babies 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 highly beneficial tools for helping babies with hearing impairments. We’ll discover how they work and offer guidance on selecting the ideal solution for your child’s needs.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in babies can be caused by a range of factors, including:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Congenital infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications during birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Medications often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early diagnosis is critical. That’s why babies in the United States are screened 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
Reaching these developmental milestones is crucial for infants to reach optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For personalized advice on these screenings, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies
Hearing aids are usually the initial treatment option for infants who have differing degrees of hearing impairment. These little, portable devices amplify 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
- Made with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Specifically tailored by a pediatric hearing professional to fit your child’s distinct hearing needs
As your infant grows, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to ensure correct fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant might be suggested for a baby with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are embedded with a surgical procedure
- Recover hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Translate sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- Endorsed by the FDA for use in infants aged 9 to 12 months
- Achieve best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Suggested only after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure involves the use of imaging, auditory examinations, and discussions regarding 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Options: A Concluding Analysis
Following a diagnosis of hearing loss in your infant, numerous choices and resources are available to assist you get through this journey. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, the majority of young patients are able to obtain language skills that are equivalent to those of 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? Get in touch with to us today for a complete assessment 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.