Discovering that a newborn has hearing loss can be a devastating and emotionally difficult experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and unclear about what the future has in store. But the good news is: With early diagnosis and intervention, babies with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, leading to a vibrant, rewarding life!
Two of the most useful tools for assisting babies with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Causes of infant hearing loss: Numerous aspects to think about:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Genetic infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications during birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Medications often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most important step? Early diagnosis. That’s why infants in the United States are screened for hearing loss before leaving the hospital. Pediatric hearing professionals follow the “1-3-6” standard:
- 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 chance for strong speech, language, and brain development. For personalized advice on these assessments, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are frequently the first treatment option for infants who have differing degrees of hearing impairment. These little, portable devices boost audio signals, allowing infants to better hear and understand voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for infants just a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that adjust as the baby grows
- Featuring secure battery compartments and child-friendly design elements
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your infant develops, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to guarantee correct fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
If an infant has extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t benefit enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant might be recommended.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Restore hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Convert sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Cochlear implants are:
- Approved by the FDA for use in infants aged 9 to 12 months
- Accomplish best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Recommended only after a thorough evaluation by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure includes the use of imaging, hearing examinations, and dialogues relating to 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Options: A Final Analysis
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot of support. With the assistance of pediatric hearing specialists, lots of children go on to establish language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking swift action can have a far-reaching and lasting impact 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 complete assessment and tailored 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.