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 has in store. Babies who have hearing loss can do well with early detection and intervention, which is positive news. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, resulting in a vibrant, rewarding life!
Two of the most reliable tools for assisting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Understanding Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in babies can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Congenital infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications during birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early diagnosis is critical. That’s why infants in the United States are evaluated for hearing loss before leaving the hospital. Pediatric hearing professionals follow the “1-3-6” standard:
- 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 reach optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. If you need advice on these screenings, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
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 boost audio signals, enabling 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 soft, comfortable ear molds that adjust as the baby grows
- Outfitted with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Specifically tailored by a pediatric hearing expert to fit your child’s distinct auditory needs
As your baby develops, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to ensure proper fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
If an infant has extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t improve enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant might be recommended.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically embeded
- Restore hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
- Convert audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Cochlear implants are:
- Endorsed by the FDA for use in infants aged 9 to 12 months
- Most effective when paired with early therapy and family support
- Only recommended following a complete evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing exams, and conversations 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 solutions and plenty of assistance. Thanks to the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, most young patients are able to obtain language skills that are comparable to those of their peers.
Whether your child is a candidate for hearing aids or cochlear implants, early action can make a long-lasting difference.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Contact us now to set up a comprehensive assessment and customized 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.
