Discovering that an infant has hearing loss can be a devastating and emotionally difficult experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future holds. Infants 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 vibrant, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely helpful tools for helping infants with hearing loss. We’ll discover how they function and provide guidance on selecting the best option for your child’s needs.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Babies
Hearing loss in infants can be triggered by a range 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 often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early diagnosis is crucial. Infants in the United States go through hearing loss screening before being discharged from 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) started by 6 months
Reaching these developmental milestones is essential for babies 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
For infants with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first line of treatment. These little, wearable devices amplify sound, helping babies hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for infants just a few weeks old
- Crafted with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s development
- Offering secure battery compartments and child-friendly design elements
- Specially tailored by a pediatric hearing expert to fit your child’s unique hearing needs
As your baby grows, it will be necessary to routinely update and modify the hearing aids to guarantee they fit correctly and work effectively.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant may be recommended for a baby with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not obtain sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically embeded
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- Translate sound into electrical signals that stimulate the auditory nerve directly
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- Approved by the FDA for use in infants aged 9 to 12 months
- Most effective when coupled with early therapy and family support
- Only recommended after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes the use of imaging, auditory examinations, and discussions relating to 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: Concluding Thoughts
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot of assistance. With the help of pediatric hearing experts, 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 effect on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to address their hearing needs.
Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing health? Reach out to us today for a full evaluation and personalized care 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.
