For parents of newborns, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. But the good news is: With early diagnosis and treatment, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong connections with the world around them, leading to a vibrant, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two highly beneficial tools for assisting babies with hearing loss.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Babies
Causes of infant hearing loss: Numerous factors to consider:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth including 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 significant step? Early diagnosis. That’s why babies in the United States are evaluated 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 strong speech, language, and brain development. For personalized guidance on these assessments, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Infants
For infants with mild to severe hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first avenue of treatment. These little, wearable devices amplify sound, helping infants hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for infants just a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that adjust as the baby grows
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery compartments and pediatric-specific features
- Specifically individualized by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s unique auditory needs
As your baby grows, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to guarantee proper fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If an infant has severe 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 surgically embeded
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Transform audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- Approved by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
- Most successful when coupled with early therapy and family support
- Recommended only after a thorough assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing tests, and discussions about long-term expectations and results.
How Cochlear Implants Differ from Traditional Hearing Aids
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 Final Analysis
After a diagnosis of hearing loss in your infant, numerous choices and resources are available to help you navigate this experience. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who work with children, most young patients are able to obtain language skills that are equivalent to those of their peers.
Taking swift action can have a profound and long lasting effect on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to address their hearing needs.
Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Contact us now to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and customized 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.