Discovering that an infant has hearing loss can be an upsetting and emotionally difficult experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and unclear about what the future holds. But the good news is: With early diagnosis and treatment, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong connections with the world around them, leading to a dynamic, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two highly helpful tools for helping infants with hearing impairments.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Infants
Hearing loss in babies can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Infections present at birth like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
- Problems that may occur during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most significant step? Early detection. Infants in the United States undergo hearing loss assessment 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
Reaching these developmental milestones is crucial for infants to reach optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For individualized advice on these assessments, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Infants
For infants with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are often the first avenue of treatment. These tiny, portable devices amplify audio signals, allowing infants to better detect and understand 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
- Featuring secure battery compartments and child-friendly design features
- Specially tailored by a pediatric hearing expert to fit your child’s unique hearing needs
As your infant develops, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to ensure correct fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
A cochlear implant may be recommended for an infant with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not obtain adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are embedded with a surgical procedure
- Restore hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- Transform audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- Endorsed by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
- Accomplish best results in combination with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only suggested after a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This procedure includes imaging, hearing exams, and discussions 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
Comparing Sound Enhancement Solutions: A Concluding Analysis
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot 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.
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? 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.
