For parents of newborns, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. Babies who have hearing loss can do well with early detection and treatment, which is good news. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, leading to a vibrant, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely helpful tools for helping babies with hearing loss. We’ll explore how they function and offer guidance on choosing the ideal option for your child’s needs.
Understanding Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in infants can be caused by a range of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Problems that might occur during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early detection is crucial. That’s why babies in the United States are evaluated for hearing loss before they leave 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
Meeting these milestones gives babies the best chance for healthy speech, language, and brain development. If you need advice on these assessments, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies
For babies with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are often the first avenue of treatment. These little, portable devices boost audio signals, allowing infants to better detect and comprehend voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that adjust as the baby grows
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your infant grows, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to ensure proper fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If an infant has severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t benefit enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant may be suggested.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically embeded
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert sound into electrical signals that stimulate the auditory nerve directly
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- Approved by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
- Most successful when coupled with early treatment and family support
- Suggested only after a thorough assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure involves the use of imaging, auditory exams, and dialogues relating to future prospects and results
How Cochlear Implants Contrast 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: Concluding Thoughts
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and a lot of support. With the assistance of pediatric hearing specialists, many children go on to establish 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 complete 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.