For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. But the good news is: With early diagnosis and intervention, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong relationships with the world around them, resulting in a vibrant, rewarding life!
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely beneficial tools for helping babies with hearing loss. Below, we will have a look at how they work and how to know which one is right for your child.
Comprehending Hearing Loss in Babies
Hearing loss in babies can be caused by a range of factors, including:
- Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
- Genetic infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications at birth, including lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most important step? Early diagnosis. Infants in the United States go through hearing loss assessment before being released from the hospital. Pediatric hearing experts follow the “1-3-6” guideline:
- Screened by 1 month
- Diagnosed by 3 months
- Intervention (with hearing devices or therapy) started by 6 months
Achieving these milestones gives infants the best opportunity for strong speech, language, and brain development. For personalized advice on these assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers
For infants with mild to severe hearing loss, hearing aids are frequently the first line of treatment. These small, wearable devices amplify sound, helping infants hear speech and external sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids are:
- Safe for babies as young as a few weeks old
- Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that adjust as the baby grows
- Equipped 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, hearing aids will need to be calibrated regularly to guarantee correct fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Babies
If a baby has extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t benefit enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant may be recommended.
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
Cochlear implants are:
- FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
- Most successful when coupled with early therapy and family support
- Only suggested after a complete evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing exams, and conversations 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
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Concluding Thoughts
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and plenty of assistance. 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 profound and lasting effect on a child’s life, regardless of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to address their hearing needs.
Have questions about your child’s hearing health? Call us now to schedule a complete assessment 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.