The Benefits of Cochlear Implants in Infants
If you are a parent of a child with hearing loss, you’ve probably heard about cochlear implants. Cochlear implants are small electronic devices that can help people with severe to profound hearing loss to hear better. You may be wondering if a cochlear implant is the right choice for your child, and what the benefits of cochlear implants in infants are.
When my first child was born deaf, we were given the option of giving him cochlear implants.
At the time it was an easy “yes!” from us. I didn’t know abut the Deaf community at that time, and from the perspective of two hearing parents, we wanted our child to have the option to access sound and spoken language if he wanted to.
As we went through the process we learned a lot about the benefits of cochlear implants in infants and young children.
All of the professionals recommend to give your child cochlear implants as soon as possible to help their speech and language improve faster.
I recognize that for some families, cochlear implants is not an easy answer. It is certainly important to do the research and make the best decision for your family!
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of cochlear implants and answer some common questions parents may have about this technology.
benefits of cochlear implants in infants
One of the primary benefits of cochlear implants in infants is the early access to sound. This can be important for the development of speech and language skills.
Infants who receive cochlear implants can start learning and developing auditory skills at the same rate as their peers with typical hearing abilities.
This early intervention often leads to better long-term outcomes in terms of speech recognition and language development.
Conversely, older children who receive cochlear implants may face a more challenging adjustment due to their brain developing in a non- hearing way.
However, that is not to say that children who are not aided can’t learn language! In fact, teaching your child sign language no matter if they have cochlear implants or not, is helpful in exposing your child to a total communication approach with both speech and signing.
For more information, read about cochlear implants vs sign language.
Remember, each child is unique, and results can vary based on individual circumstances.
Improved Hearing with cochlear implants
The primary benefit of cochlear implants for infants with hearing loss is the significant improvement in their hearing abilities.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that children who receive cochlear implants at a young age not only have the ability to hear but also exhibit remarkable advancements in their speech and language skills compared to their non-implanted peers.
By providing these infants with the opportunity to perceive sounds and speech that they may have never experienced before, cochlear implants play a crucial role in facilitating the development of their language abilities and enhancing their overall communication skills.
Early Language Intervention
Cochlear implants are groundbreaking devices that enable early intervention in hearing loss. This plays a vital role in a child’s language development.
Infants with hearing loss who receive cochlear implants at an early age have a significantly higher likelihood of developing speech skills compared to those who undergo the procedure later in life.
Moreover, early intervention with a cochlear implant not only aids in preventing delays in speech and language, but also contributes to the overall socialization and cognitive development of the child.
These remarkable advancements in technology have revolutionized the way we address hearing loss in children!
Access to Sound
Cochlear implants offer infants the opportunity to experience a rich auditory world that they may have never encountered before. By bypassing damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulating the auditory nerve, these implants can provide a life-changing experience for children with hearing loss.
With cochlear implants, infants gain the ability to perceive environmental sounds, such as the gentle rustling of leaves or the chirping of birds.
They can also enjoy the rhythmic melodies of music and the soothing voices of their loved ones that were previously inaccessible to them.
This newfound access to sound empowers them to engage and communicate with others in a meaningful way.
Long-Term Language Benefits
The benefits of cochlear implants for infants extend far beyond early childhood. Numerous studies have consistently shown that children who receive cochlear implants at an early age can develop language abilities comparable to their hearing peers by the time they reach school age.
This remarkable achievement sets the foundation for their future academic and social success.
With the ability to hear and communicate effectively, these children can fully participate in classroom activities, engage in meaningful conversations, and develop strong relationships with their peers.
As they grow older, the long-term advantages of a cochlear implant become even more evident, allowing them to navigate the world with confidence and independence.
If you are a parent of a child with hearing loss, a cochlear implant may be a good option to consider.
The benefits of cochlear implants in infants are numerous, and include improved hearing, early intervention, access to sound, and long-term speech and language benefits.
If you are considering a cochlear implant for your child, talk to your audiologist or hearing healthcare professional to learn more about the process and what to expect.
With early intervention and ongoing therapy, a cochlear implant can help your child develop better communication abilities and improve their quality of life.
Don’t forget to download your free cochlear implant surgery packing list!
more resources for cochlear implants
Cochlear Implant Surgery Process
Raising Kids with Cochlear Implants
