For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. But the bright side is: With early detection and intervention, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong connections with the world around them, resulting in a vibrant, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely beneficial tools for helping infants with hearing loss.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Babies
Hearing loss in babies can be triggered by a range of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Genetic infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications at birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Medications often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most important step? Early detection. Infants in the United States undergo hearing loss assessment before being discharged from the hospital. Pediatric professionals 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
Achieving these milestones gives infants the best opportunity for strong speech, language, and brain development. For individualized guidance on these screenings, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies
Hearing aids are frequently the first treatment solution for babies who have differing degrees of hearing impairment. These small, wearable devices boost sound, helping babies hear speech and external sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for infants as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s development
- Featuring secure battery compartments and child-friendly design elements
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to fit your child’s hearing profile
As your infant grows, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to ensure proper fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant may be recommended for an infant with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are embedded with a surgical procedure
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert sound into electrical signals that stimulate the auditory nerve directly
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- Endorsed by the FDA for use in infants aged 9 to 12 months
- Most successful when coupled with early treatment and family support
- Only suggested following a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes the use of imaging, hearing examinations, and discussions regarding future prospects and results
How Cochlear Implants Contrast 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
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Final Thoughts
Following a diagnosis of hearing loss in your baby, a number of choices and resources are available to help you get through this journey. With the assistance of pediatric hearing specialists, many children go on to develop language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking prompt action can have a far-reaching and lasting effect on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they require hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.
Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Call us now to set up a comprehensive assessment 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.