Learning that a newborn has hearing loss can be a devastating and emotionally difficult experience for many parents, leaving them feeling lost and uncertain about what the future holds. But the good news is: With early diagnosis and treatment, babies with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong connections 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. We’ll discover how they function and provide guidance on choosing the ideal option for your child’s needs.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Babies
Causes of infant hearing loss: Numerous factors to think about:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Congenital infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Problems that may arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care
Early detection is critical. That’s why babies in the United States are screened 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) started by 6 months
Achieving these milestones gives babies the best chance for strong speech, language, and brain development. If you need advice on these assessments, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
Hearing aids are frequently the initial treatment option for babies who have differing degrees of hearing loss. These little, portable devices amplify audio signals, enabling infants to better hear and comprehend voices and surrounding noises.
Hearing aids are:
- Suitable for infants just a few weeks old
- Designed with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s growth
- Featuring secure battery doors and child-friendly design elements
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to fit your child’s hearing profile
As your baby develops, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to guarantee proper fit and performance.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant may be suggested for an infant with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not get adequate benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically implanted
- Recover hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
- 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
- Suggested only after a thorough evaluation by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This process 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: Concluding Thoughts
If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot of assistance. With the assistance of pediatric hearing experts, many children go on to develop language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking prompt action can have a far-reaching and lasting impact on a child’s life, regardless of whether they require hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.
Do you have any concerns regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Call us now to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment strategy.
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.
