Discovering that an infant 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. Babies who have hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and intervention, which is positive news. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong connections with the world around them, resulting in a dynamic, rewarding life!
Two of the most reliable solutions for assisting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. We’ll explore how they work and provide guidance on choosing the best option for your child’s needs.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Infants
Causes of infant hearing loss: Various aspects to consider:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Issues that might arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most important step? Early diagnosis. Infants in the United States go through hearing loss screening before being released from the hospital. Pediatric specialists follow “1-3-6” hearing protocol.
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) begun by 6 months
Meeting these milestones gives infants the best chance for healthy speech, language, and brain development. For personalized guidance on these screenings, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
For infants with mild to severe 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:
- Appropriate for infants just a few weeks old
- Crafted with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s growth
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery compartments and pediatric-specific features
- Specifically tailored by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s distinct hearing needs
As your baby grows, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to ensure correct fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant might be recommended for a baby with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not receive adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically implanted
- Recover hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve
Cochlear implants are:
- Endorsed by the FDA for use in infants aged 9 to 12 months
- Achieve best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only recommended after a complete evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing exams, and conversations about long-term expectations and outcomes.
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: Concluding Thoughts
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot of assistance. Because of the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, the majority of young patients are able to obtain language skills that are equivalent 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 child’s hearing health? Call us now to set up a comprehensive 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.