For parents of infants, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. Infants with hearing loss can do well with early detection and treatment, which is good news. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong connections with the world around them, leading to a vibrant, rewarding life!

Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two extremely beneficial tools for helping infants with hearing loss. Below, we take a look at how they work and how to know which one is right for your child.

Comprehending Hearing Loss in Infants

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

• Hereditary characteristics (even in the absence of a family background)
• Infections present at birth such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella.
• Complications during birth, such as lack of oxygen or prematurity
• Medications often administered in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)

Early detection is crucial. Infants in the United States undergo hearing loss screening before being released 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 healthy speech, language, and brain development. If you need guidance on these assessments, your pediatrician will be happy to help!

Hearing Aids for Babies and Toddlers

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

Hearing aids are:

• Suitable for newborns just a few weeks old
• Designed with soft, comfortable ear molds that change as the baby grows
• Featuring secure battery compartments and child-friendly design elements
• Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile

As your infant develops, it will be necessary to routinely update and modify the hearing aids to ensure they fit properly and work effectively.

Cochlear Implants for Babies

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

Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants:

• Are implanted with a surgical procedure
• Restore hearing by circumventing inner ear damage
• Transform audio into electric impulses that directly stimulate the hearing nerve

Cochlear implants are:

• Approved by the FDA for use in infants aged 9 to 12 months
• Most successful when coupled with early treatment and family support
• Recommended only after a comprehensive assessment by an audiologist and ENT specialist

This procedure includes imaging, hearing tests, and conversations about long-term expectations and outcomes.

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: Final Thoughts

If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and a lot of assistance. With the assistance of pediatric hearing experts, many children go on to develop language skills that are on par with their peers.

Taking swift action can have a far-reaching and lasting effect on a child’s life, regardless of whether they require hearing aids or cochlear implants to deal with their hearing needs.

Do you have any inquiries regarding your infant’s hearing health? Reach out 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.