For parents of newborns, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. Infants with hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and treatment, which is good news. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong connections with the world around them, resulting in a vibrant, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two highly helpful tools for assisting infants with hearing loss. 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
Causes of infant hearing loss: Numerous factors to consider:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Complications during birth, including lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most significant step? Early detection. Babies in the United States undergo hearing loss screening before being discharged from the hospital. Pediatric specialists adhere to “1-3-6” hearing protocol.
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) started by 6 months
Reaching these developmental milestones is crucial for babies 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
Hearing aids are usually the initial treatment solution for babies who have differing degrees of hearing impairment. These little, portable devices amplify audio signals, allowing infants to better hear and understand voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Appropriate for infants just a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Specially tailored by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s unique auditory needs
As your infant grows, it will be required to regularly update and tweak the hearing aids to guarantee they fit properly and work effectively.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
If an infant has extreme 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 surgically embeded
- Restore hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Convert sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Most successful when coupled with early treatment and family support
- Suggested only after a thorough evaluation by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure involves the use of imaging, auditory examinations, and dialogues regarding future prospects and results
How Cochlear Implants Differ from Conventional 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
Following a diagnosis of hearing loss in your baby, numerous solutions and resources are accessible to help you navigate this journey. With the help of pediatric hearing experts, lots of children go on to establish language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking swift action can have a far-reaching and lasting impact on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.
Have questions about your baby’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.