For parents of infants, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and discouraging. Babies who have hearing loss can do well with early diagnosis and intervention, which is positive news. Indeed, they are capable of gaining linguistic skills, refining their communication techniques, and forming profound connections with their surroundings, ultimately bring about a rich and fulfilling existence.

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

Comprehending Hearing Loss in Infants

Causes of infant hearing loss: Numerous factors to consider:

• Hereditary traits (even in the absence of a family background)
• Infections present at birth including cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
• Issues that might arise during childbirth, such as oxygen deprivation or premature birth.
• Specific medications used in neonatal intensive care

Early diagnosis is crucial. Babies in the United States undergo hearing loss assessment before being discharged from 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) begun by 6 months

Reaching these developmental milestones is crucial for babies to reach optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For personalized guidance on these screenings, don’t wait to reach out to your pediatrician.

Hearing Aids for Infants

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

Hearing aids are:

• Safe for infants as young as a few weeks old
• Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
• Outfitted with tamper-proof battery compartments and pediatric-specific features
• Specially tailored by a pediatric hearing professional to fit your child’s distinct hearing needs

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

Cochlear Implants for Babies

If a baby has severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t improve enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant might be recommended.

Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:

• Are implanted with a surgical procedure
• Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
• Transform audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve

Cochlear implants are:

• FDA-approved for babies as young as 9-12 months
• Most effective when paired with early treatment and family support
• Only suggested after a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and an ENT specialist

This process includes the use of imaging, auditory exams, and discussions regarding future prospects 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

Comparing Sound Enhancement Solutions: A Final Analysis

If your infant has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have solutions and a lot of assistance. Thanks to the expertise of hearing specialists who deal with children, most young patients are able to obtain language abilities that are equivalent to those of their peers.

Whether your child is a candidate for hearing aids or cochlear implants, early action can make a long-lasting difference.

Have questions about your child’s hearing health? Contact us now to set up a complete 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.