For parents of newborns, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. Babies with hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and intervention, which is positive news. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, resulting in a dynamic, rewarding life!

Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely helpful tools for helping infants with hearing impairments.

Comprehending Infant Hearing Loss

Hearing loss in infants can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Genetic factors (even without a family history)
• Genetic infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
• Problems that might occur during childbirth, including oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
• Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care

The most significant step? Early diagnosis. Infants in the United States undergo hearing loss screening before being discharged from the hospital. Pediatric professionals adhere to “1-3-6” hearing protocol.

• Screened by 1 month
• Diagnosed by 3 months
• Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) begun by 6 months

Meeting these milestones gives infants the best opportunity for strong speech, language, and brain development. For individualized advice on these assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.

Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers

For babies with mild to severe hearing loss, hearing aids are often the first avenue of treatment. These little, wearable devices boost sound, helping infants hear speech and environmental sounds more clearly.

Hearing aids are:

• Suitable for newborns just a few weeks old
• Crafted with gentle, cozy earpieces that adjust according to the baby’s development
• Outfitted with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
• Specially individualized by a pediatric hearing professional to fit your child’s distinct hearing needs

As your baby develops, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to ensure proper fit and performance.

Cochlear Implants for Infants

A cochlear implant may be suggested for an infant with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who does not receive adequate benefit from hearing aids.

Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:

• Are surgically embeded
• Recover hearing by bypassing inner ear damage
• Convert audio into electric impulses that directly activate the hearing nerve

Cochlear implants are:

• Approved 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
• Recommended only after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist

This procedure includes the use of imaging, hearing examinations, and dialogues regarding future prospects and results

How Cochlear Implants Differ from Conventional 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

Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Concluding Thoughts

If your infant 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 establish language skills that are on par with their peers.

Taking swift action can have a far-reaching and long lasting impact on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to address their hearing needs.

Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Call us now to schedule a complete evaluation and customized 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.