For parents of newborns, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. Babies who have hearing loss can do well with early detection and intervention, which is positive news. Indeed, they are able to gaining linguistic abilities, improving their communication skills, and forming profound connections with their surroundings, ultimately bring about a rich and fulfilling existence.
Two of the most reliable tools for supporting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. We’ll discover how they function and offer guidance on choosing the ideal option for your child’s needs.
Understanding Infant Hearing Loss
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various aspects to think about:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Issues that may occur during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early detection is crucial. That’s why infants in the United States are screened for hearing loss before they leave the hospital. Pediatric hearing experts follow the “1-3-6” guideline:
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) started by 6 months
Reaching these developmental milestones is critical for babies to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For individualized guidance on these assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
For infants with mild to severe hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first avenue of treatment. These little, portable devices boost audio signals, allowing infants to better detect 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
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Specially tailored by a pediatric hearing professional to fit your child’s unique hearing needs
As your infant grows, it will be necessary to routinely update and tweak the hearing aids to guarantee they fit properly and work properly.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If an infant has severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t improve enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant might be suggested.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Cochlear implants are:
- Endorsed by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
- Accomplish best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Recommended only after a thorough assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure includes the use of imaging, auditory exams, and dialogues relating to future prospects 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: Final Thoughts
After a diagnosis of hearing loss in your baby, numerous choices and resources are available to assist you get through this journey. Thanks to the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, the majority of young patients are able to acquire language abilities that are comparable to those of their peers.
Whether your child is a candidate for hearing aids or cochlear implants, early intervention can make a lifelong difference.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing health? Get in touch with to us today for a complete assessment and individualized 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.