For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. Babies who have hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and treatment, which is positive news. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, resulting in a vibrant, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely helpful tools for helping babies with hearing loss.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Infants
Hearing loss in infants can be triggered by a range of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Genetic infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications during birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
- 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 specialists 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
Meeting these milestones gives babies the best opportunity for healthy speech, language, and brain development. If you need guidance on these screenings, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Infants
For babies with mild to severe hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first avenue of treatment. These little, portable devices amplify audio signals, enabling infants to better detect and comprehend voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for infants just 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
- Specifically individualized by a pediatric hearing professional to fit your child’s unique auditory needs
As your baby grows, it will be necessary to regularly update and modify the hearing aids to ensure they fit correctly and work properly.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If an infant 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 surgically embeded
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Cochlear implants are:
- Approved by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
- Accomplish best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only recommended following a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process involves the use of imaging, auditory 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Options: A Concluding Analysis
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and plenty of support. 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 intervention can make a long-lasting difference.
Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Reach out to us today for a full 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.