For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. Infants who have hearing loss can do well with early detection and treatment, which is good news. Indeed, they are capable of gaining linguistic abilities, refining their communication techniques, and forming profound connections with their surroundings, ultimately bring about a rich and fulfilling life.
Two of the most reliable solutions for supporting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Below, we take a look at how they function and how to know which one is right for your child.
Understanding Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in babies can be caused by a variety 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 often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most significant step? Early diagnosis. That’s why babies in the United States are evaluated for hearing loss before leaving 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
Reaching these developmental milestones is critical for infants to reach optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. If you need advice on these assessments, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies
For infants with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are often the first avenue of treatment. These small, wearable devices amplify sound, helping babies hear speech and external sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for infants as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- 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 baby grows, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to ensure correct fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If a baby has severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t improve enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant may be suggested.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are embedded with a surgical procedure
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- Translate sound into electrical signals that stimulate the auditory nerve directly
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- Approved by the FDA for use in infants aged 9 to 12 months
- Accomplish best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only suggested following a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing exams, and discussions about long-term expectations and outcomes.
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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Options: A Final Analysis
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and plenty of assistance. Thanks to the expertise of hearing specialists who work with children, most young patients are able to obtain language abilities that are equivalent to those of their peers.
Taking swift action can have a profound and lasting impact on a child’s life, regardless of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing health? Get in touch with to us today for a complete evaluation 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.
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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
