Learning that a newborn has hearing loss can be a devastating and emotionally challenging experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future has in store. But the bright side is: With early detection 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!
Two of the most reliable solutions for supporting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Babies
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various aspects to consider:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Problems that may arise during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most important step? Early diagnosis. That’s why babies in the United States are screened 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) started by 6 months
Reaching these developmental milestones is crucial for infants to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For personalized guidance on these screenings, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are frequently the initial treatment solution for infants who have varying degrees of hearing impairment. These little, portable devices boost audio signals, allowing infants to better detect and understand voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for newborns just a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s growth
- Equipped 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, it will be required to regularly update and tweak the hearing aids to guarantee they fit correctly and work properly.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
If a baby has severe 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 implanted 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:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Most effective when paired with early treatment and family support
- Only suggested after a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing exams, and conversations 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
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Final Thoughts
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and a lot of support. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, most young patients are able to obtain language skills that are comparable to those of 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? Call us now to set up a comprehensive evaluation 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.