Learning that an infant has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally difficult experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future holds. Babies who have hearing loss can do well with early detection and treatment, which is positive news. Indeed, they are able to gaining linguistic abilities, refining their communication skills, and forming profound connections with their surroundings, inevitably giving rise to a rich and fulfilling life.
Two of the most effective tools for supporting babies with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Below, we will have a look at how they function and how to know which one is best for your child.
Understanding Infant Hearing Loss
Causes of infant hearing loss: Numerous aspects to think about:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Problems that might arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Early detection is critical. Babies in the United States go through hearing loss screening before being discharged from 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 crucial for babies to reach optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For individualized guidance on these screenings, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Infants
For infants with mild to severe hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first avenue of treatment. These tiny, portable devices amplify audio signals, allowing infants to better hear and comprehend voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for infants as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s development
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to fit your child’s hearing profile
As your infant grows, it will be necessary to regularly update and tweak the hearing aids to ensure they fit correctly and work effectively.
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 embedded with a surgical procedure
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert sound into electrical signals that energize the auditory nerve directly
Cochlear implants are:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Achieve best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only suggested after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure involves the use of imaging, auditory exams, and dialogues relating to 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 Solutions: A Concluding Analysis
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and a lot of assistance. With the help of pediatric hearing experts, lots of children go on to develop language skills that are on par with their peers.
Whether your child is a candidate for hearing aids or cochlear implants, early intervention can make a lifelong difference.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Reach out 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.
