Discovering that a newborn has hearing loss can be a devastating and emotionally challenging experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and unclear about what the future holds. But the good news is: With early detection and intervention, 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 dynamic, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely helpful tools for helping babies with hearing loss.
Understanding Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in infants can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Infections present at birth like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Complications at birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most significant step? Early diagnosis. Babies in the United States undergo hearing loss screening before being discharged from the hospital. Pediatric professionals adhere to “1-3-6” hearing protocol.
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) started by 6 months
Achieving 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
Hearing aids are usually the initial treatment solution for babies who have differing degrees of hearing loss. These small, wearable devices amplify sound, helping infants hear speech and external sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for infants as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s development
- Featuring secure battery compartments and child-friendly design features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to fit your child’s hearing profile
As your baby grows, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to ensure correct fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If a baby has extreme 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 implanted
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Accomplish best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only suggested after a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing tests, and discussions 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 infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and a lot of assistance. Because of 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 long lasting impact on a child’s life, regardless of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to address their hearing needs.
Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing health? Get in touch with to us today for a full assessment 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.
