Discovering that an infant has hearing loss can be a devastating and emotionally challenging experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and unclear about what the future holds. Infants who have hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and intervention, which is positive news. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, leading to a dynamic, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two highly beneficial tools for assisting babies with hearing impairments. We’ll discover how they function and provide guidance on selecting the best solution for your child’s needs.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in babies can be triggered by a range of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Problems that may arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early detection is critical. Babies 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) begun by 6 months
Reaching these developmental milestones is essential for babies to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. If you need advice on these assessments, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Infants
Hearing aids are usually the first treatment option for infants who have varying degrees of hearing impairment. These little, portable devices boost audio signals, enabling infants to better hear and comprehend voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Specially individualized by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s unique hearing needs
As your baby grows, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to guarantee proper fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant might be suggested for an infant with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Restore hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Convert 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
- Most successful when paired with early therapy and family support
- Only recommended after a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing tests, and conversations about long-term expectations and results.
How Cochlear Implants Contrast 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
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Concluding Thoughts
Following a diagnosis of hearing loss in your infant, numerous solutions and resources are available 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 lifelong difference.
Have questions about your child’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.
