Baby-Getting-Hearing-Test

For parents of infants, finding out that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. But the bright side is: With early detection and treatment, infants with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even cultivate language, communication skills, and strong connections with the world around them, resulting in a vibrant, rewarding life!

Two of the most useful tools for supporting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Comprehending Hearing Loss in Babies

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

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

The most important step? Early diagnosis. Infants in the United States undergo hearing loss assessment 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) started by 6 months

Reaching these developmental milestones is critical for babies to achieve optimal progress in speech, language, and cognitive growth. For individualized guidance on these assessments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.

Hearing Aids for Infants

Hearing aids are usually the first treatment solution for babies who have varying degrees of hearing impairment. These little, portable devices boost audio signals, enabling infants to better hear and understand voices and surrounding noises.

Hearing aids are:

  • Appropriate for newborns just a few weeks old
  • Crafted with gentle, cozy earpieces that adapt according to the baby’s development
  • Featuring secure battery compartments and child-friendly design features
  • Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to fit your child’s hearing profile

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

Cochlear Implants for Infants

If an infant has extreme to profound sensorineural hearing loss and doesn’t improve enough from hearing aids, a cochlear implant may be recommended.

Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:

  • Are surgically embeded
  • Circumvent damaged parts of the inner ear
  • Convert audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve

Benefits of Cochlear Implants:

  • Approved by the FDA for use in babies aged 9 to 12 months
  • Most effective when paired with early therapy and family support
  • Suggested only after a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist and ENT specialist

This procedure includes imaging, hearing exams, and discussions about long-term expectations and outcomes.

How Cochlear Implants Contrast 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 baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and a lot of assistance. With the help of pediatric hearing specialists, lots of children go on to develop language skills that are on par with their peers.

Taking prompt action can have a profound and lasting impact on a child’s life, irrespective of whether they need hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.

Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing wellness? Get in touch with to us today for a full assessment and personalized care plan.

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.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.