For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. Babies who have hearing loss can do well with early detection and treatment, which is good news. Indeed, they are able to gaining linguistic skills, improving their communication skills, and forming profound connections with their surroundings, ultimately giving rise to a rich and fulfilling life.
Two of the most reliable solutions for supporting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. We’ll explore how they function and offer guidance on selecting the ideal solution for your child’s needs.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in infants can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Genetic infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications at birth, including lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Medications often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early detection is critical. Babies in the United States undergo hearing loss screening before being released from the hospital. Pediatric hearing experts follow the “1-3-6” standard:
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) begun by 6 months
Achieving these milestones gives infants the best opportunity for strong speech, language, and brain development. For personalized advice on these assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are frequently the first treatment solution for babies who have differing degrees of hearing loss. These little, wearable devices boost sound, helping babies hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for newborns just a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s growth
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery compartments and pediatric-specific features
- Specially individualized by a pediatric hearing specialist to fit your child’s distinct auditory needs
As your baby develops, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to ensure correct fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If a baby has extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t improve enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant might be suggested.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are embedded with a surgical procedure
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- Transform 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 tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Suggested only after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This procedure includes the use of imaging, hearing exams, and dialogues regarding future prospects 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Options: A Final Analysis
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and plenty of support. With the help of pediatric hearing experts, lots of children go on to establish language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking swift action can have a far-reaching and long lasting effect on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they require hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Get in touch with to us today for a full 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.
