For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. But the good news is: With early diagnosis and treatment, babies with hearing loss can thrive. 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 extremely beneficial tools for helping babies with hearing impairments.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Babies
Hearing loss in babies can be caused by a range of factors, including:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Congenital infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Issues that may arise during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early detection is crucial. That’s why infants in the United States are evaluated for hearing loss before leaving the hospital. Pediatric specialists follow “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 reach optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. If you need guidance on these screenings, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are usually the initial treatment solution for babies who have differing degrees of hearing loss. These small, wearable devices boost sound, helping babies hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Made with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery compartments and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your infant develops, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to guarantee proper fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant may be recommended for a baby with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are implanted with a surgical procedure
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Achieve best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Suggested only after a thorough assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing tests, and discussions about long-term expectations and outcomes.
How Cochlear Implants Differ 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Options: A Concluding Analysis
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot of assistance. With the assistance of pediatric hearing experts, 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 long-lasting difference.
Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Call us now to schedule a complete evaluation and tailored 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.