For parents of newborns, learning that their baby has hearing loss will feel overwhelming and disheartening. But the good news is: With early detection and intervention, babies with hearing loss can thrive. Yes, they can even develop language, communication skills, and strong connections with the world around them, leading to a vibrant, rewarding life!
Two of the most effective tools for supporting infants with hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Below, we take a look at how they work and how to know which one is right for your child.
Understanding Infant Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in infants can be caused by a range of factors, including:
- Genetic factors (even without a family history)
- Congenital infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rubella
- Complications during birth, including lack of oxygen or prematurity
- Certain medications used in neonatal intensive care
The most important step? Early diagnosis. That’s why babies in the United States are screened for hearing loss before leaving 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
Meeting these milestones gives infants the best chance for healthy speech, language, and brain development. If you need guidance on these screenings, your pediatrician will be happy to help!
Hearing Aids for Infants
For babies with mild to severe hearing loss, hearing aids are often the first line of treatment. These small, 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
- Equipped with tamper-proof battery doors and pediatric-specific features
- Custom-programmed by a pediatric audiologist to match your child’s hearing profile
As your baby grows, hearing aids will need to be adjusted regularly to ensure proper fit and effectiveness.
Cochlear Implants for Infants
If a baby has severe 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
- Bypass damaged parts of the inner ear
- Convert sound into electrical signals that stimulate the auditory nerve directly
Cochlear implants are:
- FDA-approved for infants as young as 9-12 months
- Most successful when paired with early therapy and family support
- Recommended only after a thorough evaluation by an audiologist and ENT specialist
This process includes imaging, hearing tests, and conversations about long-term expectations and outcomes.
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: What’s the Difference?
- Mild to severe hearing loss: Hearing Aids
Severe to profound hearing loss: Cochlear Implants - Non-Invasive: Hearing Aids
Invasive (Surgical): Cochlear Implants - Sound processing amplification: Hearing Aids
Converts Sound Electrical Signals: Cochlear Implants - Starts at Infancy: Hearing Aids
Starts at 9-12 Months: Cochlear Implants
Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: Final Thoughts
If your baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, you have options and plenty of support. With the help of pediatric hearing specialists, many children go on to develop language skills that are on par with their peers.
Whether your child is a candidate for hearing aids or cochlear implants, early action can make a lifelong difference.
Have questions about your baby’s hearing health? Reach out to us today for a full evaluation 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