Discovering that an infant has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally challenging experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future has in store. Babies with hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and treatment, which is positive news. Indeed, they are able to gaining linguistic skills, refining their communication skills, and forming profound bonds with their surroundings, ultimately bring about a rich and satisfying existence.
Two of the most reliable solutions for assisting babies with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Infants
Causes of infant hearing loss: Numerous aspects to consider:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Genetic infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Problems that might arise during childbirth, such as 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 released from the hospital. Pediatric specialists adhere to “1-3-6” hearing protocol.
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) started by 6 months
Reaching these developmental milestones is essential for infants to reach optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. If you need guidance on these screenings, your pediatrician will be glad to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are frequently the initial treatment solution for infants who have varying degrees of hearing impairment. These little, portable devices boost audio signals, enabling infants to better hear and understand voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for newborns just a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s development
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery compartments and pediatric-specific features
- Specifically individualized by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s distinct auditory needs
As your baby grows, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to ensure correct fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant may be recommended for a baby with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not obtain sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically implanted
- Recover hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Convert sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Cochlear implants are:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Accomplish best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Recommended only after a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing exams, and discussions about long-term expectations and results.
How Cochlear Implants Differ 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: Concluding Thoughts
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and plenty of assistance. With the help of pediatric hearing specialists, lots of children go on to establish language skills that are on par with their peers.
Whether your child is a candidate for hearing aids or cochlear implants, early action can make a lifelong difference.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Call us now to set up a complete evaluation 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.