For parents of newborns, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. Infants who have hearing loss can do well with early detection and treatment, which is good news. Indeed, they are capable of gaining linguistic skills, refining their communication techniques, and forming profound connections with their surroundings, inevitably giving rise to a rich and fulfilling existence.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two highly beneficial tools for assisting infants with hearing loss. We’ll discover how they work and provide guidance on choosing the ideal solution for your child’s needs.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various aspects to consider:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Issues that might arise during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early diagnosis is critical. That’s why babies in the United States are screened for hearing loss before leaving the hospital. Pediatric professionals 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 reach optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For personalized guidance on these assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are usually the initial treatment solution for infants who have varying degrees of hearing impairment. These little, wearable devices amplify sound, helping babies hear speech and external sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Appropriate for infants just a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s development
- Offering secure battery compartments and child-friendly design elements
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your baby grows, it will be necessary to regularly update and tweak the hearing aids to ensure they fit correctly and work effectively.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant may be suggested for a baby with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not obtain adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are embedded with a surgical procedure
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- Transform audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Accomplish best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Suggested only after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure involves the use of imaging, hearing examinations, and discussions relating to future prospects and results
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 Options: A Concluding Analysis
Following a diagnosis of hearing loss in your baby, numerous choices and resources are available to help you get through this experience. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who work with children, the majority of young patients are able to obtain 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.
Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Call 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.