For parents of newborns, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. But the bright side is: With early diagnosis and treatment, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, resulting in a dynamic, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two highly beneficial tools for assisting babies with hearing impairments. Below, we take a look at how they function and how to know which one is best for your child.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Infants
Hearing loss in babies can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Complications at birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Medications often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most significant step? Early diagnosis. Babies in the United States go through hearing loss assessment before being discharged from 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) begun by 6 months
Achieving these milestones gives infants the best chance for strong speech, language, and brain development. If you need advice on these assessments, your pediatrician will be glad to help!
Hearing Aids for Infants
For babies 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 external sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Appropriate for newborns just a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- Featuring secure battery doors and child-friendly design features
- Specially individualized by a pediatric hearing professional to fit your child’s unique auditory needs
As your infant grows, it will be required to regularly update and modify the hearing aids to guarantee they fit properly and work effectively.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant might be suggested for a baby with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not receive sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically embeded
- Restore hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Translate sound into electrical signals that stimulate the auditory nerve directly
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Most successful when coupled with early therapy and family support
- Only recommended after a complete evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing tests, and conversations about long-term expectations and results.
How Cochlear Implants Contrast from Traditional 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
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot of assistance. With the help 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 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.