Learning that a newborn has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally difficult experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future holds. Babies with hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and treatment, which is good news. Indeed, they are able to acquiring linguistic abilities, improving their communication techniques, and forming profound bonds with their surroundings, ultimately bring about a rich and satisfying life.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely helpful tools for assisting infants with hearing loss. Below, we take a look at how they function and how to know which one is best for your child.
Understanding Infant Hearing Loss
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various aspects to think about:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Problems that may arise during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most important step? Early detection. That’s why babies in the United States are screened for hearing loss before they leave 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
Reaching these developmental milestones is crucial for babies to reach optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. If you need advice on these assessments, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Infants
For infants with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are often the first line of treatment. These tiny, portable devices amplify audio signals, allowing infants to better hear and comprehend voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for newborns just a few weeks old
- Made with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- Offering secure battery compartments and child-friendly design features
- Specially individualized by a pediatric hearing professional to fit your child’s unique hearing needs
As your infant grows, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to ensure proper fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If a baby has severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t benefit enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant might be suggested.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically embeded
- Restore hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Transform 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 effective when paired with early therapy and family support
- Only suggested following a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process involves the use of imaging, auditory exams, and discussions 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: Final Thoughts
After a diagnosis of hearing loss in your baby, a number of solutions and resources are available to assist you get through this experience. With the help of pediatric hearing specialists, lots of 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 lifelong difference.
Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Get in touch with to us today for a full assessment 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.