For parents of infants, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. Babies who have hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and intervention, which is good news. 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 effective tools for assisting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. We’ll discover how they function and provide guidance on choosing the best option for your child’s needs.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Infants
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various factors to consider:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Complications at birth, including lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early detection is critical. That’s why babies in the United States are evaluated for hearing loss before leaving 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
Reaching these developmental milestones is critical for infants to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For personalized guidance on these screenings, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies
Hearing aids are usually the first treatment solution for infants who have differing degrees of hearing loss. These small, wearable devices boost sound, helping infants hear speech and external sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Appropriate for newborns just 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 individualized by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s unique auditory needs
As your infant grows, it will be required to routinely update and modify the hearing aids to ensure they fit properly and work effectively.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant might be recommended for an infant with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not obtain adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Recover hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Transform audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Cochlear implants are:
- Endorsed by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
- Accomplish best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only suggested after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process involves the use of imaging, auditory examinations, and dialogues regarding future prospects 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 Solutions: A Concluding Analysis
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and plenty 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 prompt 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.
Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Contact us now to set up a comprehensive 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.