Learning that a newborn has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally challenging experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future holds. But the bright side is: With early detection and intervention, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, leading to a dynamic, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely helpful tools for helping babies with hearing impairments. Below, we will have a look at how they work and how to know which one is right for your child.
Understanding Infant Hearing Loss
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various factors to think about:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Congenital infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications during birth, including lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early detection is critical. Infants in the United States undergo 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 babies the best opportunity 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
Hearing aids are usually the initial treatment solution for infants who have differing degrees of hearing impairment. These little, wearable devices boost 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 development
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your infant develops, it will be required to regularly update and tweak the hearing aids to guarantee they fit properly and work effectively.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
If a baby has extreme 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 implanted with a surgical procedure
- Recover hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Transform audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Achieve best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Recommended only after a thorough evaluation by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure includes 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
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and plenty of support. With the help of pediatric hearing specialists, lots of children go on to develop language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking prompt action can have a far-reaching and long lasting effect on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Contact us now to set up a complete assessment 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.