For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. But the good news is: With early diagnosis and intervention, babies with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, leading to a dynamic, rewarding life!
Two of the most reliable solutions for supporting babies with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various factors to consider:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Issues that might occur during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most significant step? Early detection. That’s why infants in the United States are evaluated 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 infants to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For personalized guidance on these assessments, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are frequently the initial treatment solution for babies who have varying degrees of hearing loss. These tiny, portable devices amplify audio signals, allowing infants to better hear and understand voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for infants as young as a few weeks old
- Made with soft, comfortable ear molds that adjust as the baby grows
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your baby grows, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to guarantee correct fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If an infant has extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t benefit enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant may be recommended.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Recover hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Most successful when coupled with early therapy and family support
- Suggested only after a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing exams, 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Solutions: A Final Analysis
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot of support. Thanks to the expertise of hearing specialists who work with children, most young patients are able to acquire language skills that are comparable to those of 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 inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Reach out 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.
