From suspected "deaf baby" to hearing with a cochlear implant

Deaf baby: A possible hearing impairment should be clarified as soon as possible and further steps need to be taken. It may then be necessary to consider possible medical and technical solutions. In the case of deafness or severe hearing impairment, the cochlear implant is the method of choice.

First steps in case of a suspicion of a "deaf baby"

Immediately after the birth of a child, the so-called Newborn Hearing Screening (NGHS) integrated into the Mutter-Kind-Pass is carried out nationwide in Austria alongside other important initial examinations. This uncomplicated and gentle method of testing the baby's hearing provides rapid initial information on any abnormalities. In order to detect possible unilateral deafness in good time, this examination should of course be carried out on both ears.

Further steps for the experts

After discharge from the maternity clinic, pediatricians are the first point of contact for parents. If the newborn hearing screening at the maternity clinic was abnormal and you were not automatically referred to an ENT clinic, they are also an important contact with whom you should discuss the issue. How early a child's hearing impairment is discovered is crucial for the development of the auditory pathway and therefore for early childhood speech development.

As the newborn hearing screening only provides an initial indication of a possible hearing impairment, further important examinations are required, such as brainstem audiometry (BERA), which provides very precise information on the child's hearing status.

Deaf baby: the choice for a cochlear implant

If it turns out that the degree or nature of the child's hearing impairment does not permit fitting with a conventional hearing aid, you should consider the possibility of an implantable hearing system as a solution. The decades of experience of implant developers and their satisfied users may make the decision to take this important step easier. One thing is now certain: the diagnosis of a deaf baby can be overcome thanks to this wealth of experience and technical development.

The cochlear implant operation

What exactly happens during a cochlear implantation, what requirements are necessary, what preparations need to be made beforehand and what needs to be considered after the operation?

If all examinations and consultations on hearing status lead to the decision for a cochlear implant, the path to hearing (again) has the following steps:

Necessary preliminary examinations:

• A comprehensive internal examination is standard before every operation and ensures a complication-free operation and recovery.
• Computer tomography (CT scan) to obtain an "inside view" of the hearing organ and special testing of the auditory nerve function are the basic prerequisites for successful implantation.

Measures before the operation:

• Avoid situations where you could catch a cold before the operation
• Check the list of medication that the child may be taking regularly with the medical staff

Accompanying person in the hospital

Most parents are certain that they do not want to leave their child alone in hospital under any circumstances. For this reason, a parent or grandparent often stays overnight in the hospital as well. Most public hospitals allow accompanying persons to stay overnight until the child is 18 years old. Find out in advance from the hospital you trust about any costs or consider taking out accompanying person insurance.

The operation and fitting of a cochlear implant

After decades of further development of the surgical technique, the duration of the operation is now much shorter. Today, this procedure is considered standard surgery, which is performed in numerous ENT clinics, and takes an average of one to two hours, even with bilateral ear care.

During implantation, the receiver coil is fixed in the skull bone behind the ear and an electrode array is inserted into the cochlea through a small opening, the so-called round window.

An intraoperative test by the technician ensures that the child reacts positively to the initial stimulation of the implant.

After the surgery:

• Due to the small incision, the soreness will not last long or be too big.
• The following should be noted after release from the hospital:
  • Possible intake of necessary medication (antibiotics, painkillers etc.)
  • No hair washing until the stitches are removed
  • General rest in the first few weeks after the operation

The first fitting

The first fitting takes place at the earliest after suture removal (around ten days after the operation), but no later than the fourth postoperative week. The patient receives the outer part of the implant, the so-called "audio processor", which is worn behind the pinna or as a button processor (slightly above the pinna). Only then can the system be activated. Until this day, the ear is still deaf after the operation. The audio processor is then switched on and adjusted. From now on, audio signals can be transmitted to the implant and perceived. A great and unforgettable moment for patient and relatives!

Early hearing support

The aim of early hearing support is to promote the skills of affected children and their parents. Strengthening communication skills, integrating hearing and providing holistic developmental support are the main goals of early intervention.
Involving the family is an essential part of this; the parents are the most important partners for the children. In most cases, the early hearing support workers visit the families in their home environment, and also advise and support them in their choice of kindergarten and accompany them to specific appointments.
Regular meetings where parents can exchange ideas are also offered in many places, where the children have the opportunity to play in a group with other hearing-impaired children.

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