For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. Infants with hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and intervention, which is good news. 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 effective solutions for supporting infants 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 right for your child.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Infants
Hearing loss in infants can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth 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. Infants in the United States go through hearing loss assessment before being released from the hospital. Pediatric hearing professionals follow the “1-3-6” standard:
- 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 infants to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. If you need guidance on these assessments, your pediatrician will be glad to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
For babies with mild to severe hearing loss, hearing aids are often 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 newborns just a few weeks old
- Crafted with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s development
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery compartments and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to fit your child’s hearing profile
As your infant develops, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to ensure correct fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant might be suggested for a baby with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically implanted
- Restore hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- Endorsed by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
- Most successful when coupled with early treatment and family support
- Recommended only after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This process involves 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
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Concluding Thoughts
After a diagnosis of hearing loss in your infant, numerous choices and resources are available to assist you get through this journey. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, most young patients are able to obtain language skills that are equivalent to those of their peers.
Whether your child is a candidate for hearing aids or cochlear implants, early action can make a lifelong difference.
Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing health? Get in touch with to us today for a complete evaluation 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.