For parents of newborns, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. Babies with hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and treatment, which is positive news. 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 tools for assisting babies with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. We’ll discover how they function and offer guidance on choosing the best solution for your child’s needs.
Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in babies can be triggered by a range of factors, including:
- Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
- Congenital infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Problems that may occur during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
- Medications commonly administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
The most important step? Early detection. That’s why babies in the United States are screened for hearing loss before leaving the hospital. Pediatric specialists adhere to “1-3-6” hearing protocol.
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) started by 6 months
Meeting these milestones gives babies the best opportunity for healthy speech, language, and brain development. For individualized advice on these screenings, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Infants
For infants with mild to extreme hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first avenue of treatment. These little, wearable devices boost sound, helping infants hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
- 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 baby develops, it will be necessary to regularly update and modify the hearing aids to guarantee they fit properly and work properly.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
A cochlear implant may be recommended for a baby with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not obtain sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:
- Are surgically implanted
- Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
- Translate sound into electrical signals that stimulate the auditory nerve directly
Benefits of Cochlear Implants:
- Approved by the FDA for use in infants aged 9 to 12 months
- Accomplish best results in tandem with therapy at an early stage and family support
- Only suggested after a complete assessment by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing tests, and discussions about long-term expectations and results.
How Cochlear Implants Contrast from Traditional Hearing Aids
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 Final Analysis
Following a diagnosis of hearing loss in your infant, numerous solutions and resources are accessible to help you navigate this experience. With the help of pediatric hearing experts, lots of children go on to establish language skills that are on par with their peers.
Taking swift action can have a far-reaching and lasting impact on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.
Have questions about your child’s hearing health? 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.
