Learning that an infant has hearing loss can be a devastating and emotionally difficult experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future has in store. But the good news is: With early detection and treatment, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, leading to a vibrant, rewarding life!
Two of the most effective solutions for supporting babies with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Understanding Infant Hearing Loss
Causes of infant hearing loss: Numerous aspects to consider:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Complications at birth, including lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early detection is critical. Babies in the United States go through hearing loss assessment before being discharged from the hospital. Pediatric professionals follow “1-3-6” hearing protocol.
- 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 infants to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For personalized guidance on these screenings, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies
Hearing aids are usually the first treatment solution for infants who have varying degrees of hearing loss. These little, wearable devices amplify sound, helping babies hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s development
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery doors 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 adjusted regularly to guarantee proper fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant may be suggested for a baby with extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not receive sufficient 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
Advantages of Cochlear Implants:
- Endorsed by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
- Most successful when coupled with early treatment and family support
- Only recommended after a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing tests, 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 options and plenty of support. 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 long-lasting difference.
Have questions about your child’s hearing health? Reach out to us today for a complete assessment and personalized 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.
