For parents of newborns, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. Infants who have hearing loss can do well with early detection and treatment, which is positive news. Indeed, they are able to gaining linguistic skills, refining their communication skills, and forming profound connections with their surroundings, ultimately bring about a rich and fulfilling life.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely helpful tools for assisting babies with hearing impairments. Below, we will have a look at how they function and how to know which one is best for your child.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in babies can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Issues that might occur during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early detection is critical. Infants in the United States undergo hearing loss assessment before being released from the hospital. Pediatric hearing experts follow the “1-3-6” standard:
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) begun by 6 months
Meeting these milestones gives infants the best opportunity for healthy speech, language, and brain development. For personalized guidance on these assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Infants
For infants with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first avenue of treatment. These small, wearable devices amplify sound, helping babies hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for infants just a few weeks old
- Crafted with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s growth
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Specially tailored by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s distinct auditory needs
As your baby develops, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to guarantee correct fit and effectiveness.
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 recommended.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are embedded with a surgical procedure
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Transform 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
- Achieve best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Recommended only after a thorough assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing exams, and discussions about long-term expectations 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 Solutions: A Final Analysis
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and plenty of assistance. With the assistance of pediatric hearing specialists, many children go on to develop language skills that are on par with their peers.
Whether your child is a candidate for hearing aids or cochlear implants, early intervention can make a lifelong difference.
Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Contact us now to set up a comprehensive assessment and customized treatment 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.