For parents of newborns, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. Babies who have hearing loss can do well with early detection and intervention, which is positive news. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong connections with the world around them, resulting in a dynamic, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two highly helpful tools for assisting babies with hearing impairments. We’ll explore how they function and provide guidance on selecting the ideal option for your child’s needs.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Infants
Hearing loss in infants can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Issues that may arise during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early detection is crucial. That’s why infants in the United States are screened for hearing loss before leaving 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 infants to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. If you need advice on these assessments, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are usually the initial treatment option for infants who have varying degrees of hearing impairment. These small, wearable devices amplify sound, helping babies hear speech and external sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s development
- Featuring secure battery doors and child-friendly design features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to fit your child’s hearing profile
As your baby develops, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to guarantee proper fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If a baby has severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t benefit enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant might be suggested.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Most effective when coupled with early therapy and family support
- Recommended only after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing tests, and discussions about long-term expectations and outcomes.
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: What’s the Difference?
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 infant, numerous choices and resources are available to assist you get through this journey. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who work with children, most young patients are able to obtain language skills that are equivalent to those of their peers.
Whether your child is a candidate for hearing aids or cochlear implants, early intervention can make a long-lasting difference.
Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Call us now to schedule 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.
