For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. But the good news is: With early diagnosis and intervention, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Indeed, they are capable of acquiring linguistic abilities, improving their communication skills, and forming profound connections 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 take a look at how they work and how to know which one is best for your child.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Babies
Hearing loss in infants can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Issues that might occur during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early diagnosis is critical. That’s why babies in the United States are screened for hearing loss before leaving 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 critical for babies to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For personalized guidance on these assessments, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are usually the first treatment solution for infants who have differing degrees of hearing impairment. These small, wearable devices boost sound, helping infants hear speech and external 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
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your baby grows, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to guarantee proper fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If a baby has extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t benefit enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant might be recommended.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Accomplish best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Suggested only after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This process involves the use of imaging, hearing examinations, and dialogues 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
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Concluding Thoughts
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and plenty of assistance. With the assistance of pediatric hearing specialists, many children go on to develop language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking swift action can have a profound and long lasting effect on a child’s life, regardless of whether they require hearing aids or cochlear implants to address their hearing needs.
Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Contact us now to schedule a complete assessment 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.