Learning that an infant has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally difficult experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and unclear about what the future holds. Babies who have hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and treatment, which is good news. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, resulting in a dynamic, rewarding life!
Two of the most reliable tools for assisting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in infants can be caused by a range of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Complications at birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most significant step? Early diagnosis. That’s why infants in the United States are screened for hearing loss before they leave the hospital. Pediatric specialists follow “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 healthy speech, language, and brain development. If you need guidance on these screenings, your pediatrician will be glad to help!
Hearing Aids for Infants
For infants with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are often the first avenue of treatment. These small, wearable devices boost sound, helping babies hear speech and environmental 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 growth
- Offering secure battery doors and child-friendly design elements
- Specially tailored by a pediatric hearing professional to fit your child’s unique auditory needs
As your infant grows, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to ensure correct fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant may be recommended for a baby with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically embeded
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Cochlear implants are:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Accomplish best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only suggested following a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing exams, and conversations about long-term expectations and results.
How Cochlear Implants Differ 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Options: A Final Analysis
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot of support. Thanks to the expertise of hearing specialists who work with children, the majority of young patients are able to obtain language abilities that are equivalent to those of their peers.
Whether your child is a candidate for hearing aids or cochlear implants, early action can make a long-lasting difference.
Have questions about your child’s hearing health? Contact us now to set up a complete evaluation and tailored 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.