For parents of infants, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. Babies who have hearing loss can do well with early detection and treatment, which is positive news. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, leading to a dynamic, rewarding life!
Two of the most reliable tools for assisting babies with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. We’ll explore how they work and provide guidance on selecting the best solution for your child’s needs.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Babies
Hearing loss in infants can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Congenital infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Issues that might occur during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early detection is critical. Babies 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) started by 6 months
Achieving these milestones gives infants the best opportunity for strong speech, language, and brain development. For individualized advice on these assessments, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
For babies with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first line of treatment. These little, portable devices boost audio signals, allowing infants to better detect and understand voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for infants just a few weeks old
- Made with soft, comfortable ear molds that adjust as the baby grows
- Offering secure battery doors and child-friendly design features
- Specifically tailored by a pediatric hearing expert to fit your child’s distinct auditory needs
As your baby grows, it will be required to routinely update and modify the hearing aids to guarantee they fit correctly and work properly.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant might be suggested for a baby with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not receive adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are embedded with a surgical procedure
- Restore hearing by bypassing 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 infants aged 9 to 12 months
- Most effective when coupled with early treatment and family support
- Only recommended following a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes the use of imaging, auditory examinations, and dialogues relating to future prospects and results
How Cochlear Implants Contrast from Conventional 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
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Final Thoughts
Following a diagnosis of hearing loss in your infant, numerous choices and resources are accessible to help you navigate this journey. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, most young patients are able to acquire language skills that are comparable to those of their peers.
Taking swift action can have a far-reaching and lasting effect on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.
Have questions about your child’s hearing health? 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.