For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. 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 connections with the world around them, resulting in a dynamic, rewarding life!
Two of the most reliable tools for supporting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants.
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)
- Infections present at birth including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Complications at birth, including lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most significant step? Early detection. Infants in the United States undergo hearing loss assessment before being discharged from the hospital. Pediatric hearing experts follow the “1-3-6” guideline:
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) begun by 6 months
Meeting these milestones gives infants the best opportunity for healthy speech, language, and brain development. For individualized guidance on these assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are usually the initial treatment option for babies who have varying degrees of hearing impairment. These small, wearable devices boost sound, helping infants hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Appropriate for newborns just a few weeks old
- Crafted with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s development
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery compartments and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to fit your child’s hearing profile
As your baby develops, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to ensure proper fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant might be recommended for a baby with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically implanted
- Recover hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Convert sound into electrical signals that stimulate the auditory nerve directly
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Achieve best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only recommended following a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes the use of imaging, hearing examinations, and dialogues 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Options: A Concluding Analysis
After a diagnosis of hearing loss in your baby, numerous solutions and resources are available to assist you navigate this experience. With the help of pediatric hearing specialists, many children go on to establish language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking swift action can have a far-reaching and lasting effect on a child’s life, regardless 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? Get in touch with to us today for a complete evaluation and individualized 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.