For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. But the bright side is: With early detection and treatment, babies with hearing loss can thrive. Indeed, they are capable of gaining linguistic abilities, refining their communication skills, and forming profound bonds with their surroundings, ultimately bring about a rich and fulfilling existence.
Two of the most useful solutions for assisting babies with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. We’ll explore how they function and offer guidance on choosing the best solution for your child’s needs.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Babies
Hearing loss in infants can be caused by a range of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Problems that might arise during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early diagnosis is crucial. Babies in the United States go through hearing loss assessment before being released from the hospital. Pediatric hearing professionals follow the “1-3-6” guideline:
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) started by 6 months
Achieving these milestones gives infants the best chance for healthy speech, language, and brain development. For personalized advice on these assessments, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Infants
For babies with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are often the first avenue of treatment. These small, wearable devices amplify sound, helping infants hear speech and external sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Appropriate for infants just a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s growth
- Featuring secure battery compartments 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 guarantee correct fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If a baby has severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t benefit enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant may be recommended.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically embeded
- Recover hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Translate sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Cochlear implants are:
- Approved by the FDA for use in infants aged 9 to 12 months
- Most effective when paired with early treatment and family support
- Only suggested after a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure involves the use of imaging, hearing exams, and discussions relating to 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
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Final Thoughts
After a diagnosis of hearing loss in your infant, a number of solutions and resources are available to help you get through this journey. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who work with children, the majority of young patients are able to acquire language abilities that are equivalent to those of their peers.
Taking swift action can have a profound and lasting impact on a child’s life, regardless of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.
Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Contact us now to schedule a complete evaluation and tailored 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.
