Learning that a newborn has hearing loss can be a devastating and emotionally difficult experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future has in store. But the good news is: With early diagnosis and treatment, babies with hearing loss can thrive. Indeed, they are capable of acquiring linguistic skills, improving their communication techniques, and forming profound connections with their surroundings, ultimately giving rise to a rich and satisfying life.
Two of the most reliable tools for assisting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Below, we take a look at how they function and how to know which one is best for your child.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in infants can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Issues that might arise during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early detection is crucial. Infants in the United States go through hearing loss screening before being discharged from the hospital. Pediatric hearing experts follow the “1-3-6” standard:
- 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 personalized guidance on these assessments, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are usually the first treatment solution for infants who have varying degrees of hearing loss. These tiny, portable devices amplify audio signals, enabling 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 change as the baby grows
- Offering secure battery doors and child-friendly design features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your infant grows, it will be necessary to routinely update and modify the hearing aids to ensure they fit properly and work properly.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant might be suggested for an infant with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not receive sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically implanted
- Recover hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Translate sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Cochlear implants are:
- Endorsed by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
- Most successful when coupled with early treatment and family support
- Only suggested after a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing exams, and discussions about long-term expectations and outcomes.
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
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot of assistance. 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 profound and lasting impact 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? Call us now to schedule a complete evaluation and customized treatment strategy.
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.