Parents of deaf and hard of hearing children have the option to give their children amplification devices, which depends on the severity, cause and effect of hearing loss and potential delayed speech and language development. This could include devices such as bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA), behind-the-ear hearing aids, cochlear implants, a Soundfield amplification system that amplifies the voices of others (i.e. in a classroom), or a wireless FM system that assists in enhancing hearing aids or cochlear implants. 

If you’re confused about the differences between hearing aids and cochlear implants and want to understand more, read on. 

About Hearing Aids 

Hearing aids are electronic devices designed to amplify sound for individuals with hearing loss.  

How They Work 

• Hearing aids have microphones that pick up sound from the environment, which is converted to electrical signals and amplified. 
• Amplified sound is sent to a speaker in the ear canal. 

Modern digital hearing aids can focus on specific sounds, like speech, while reducing background noise.   

Who Are They For? 

Hearing aids are primarily for individuals who have mild to severe hearing loss. This includes conditions such as age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), noise-induced hearing loss, and other types of conductive hearing loss.  

Pediatric hearing aids are designed for children with hearing loss to support spoken language development and learning.  

Types of Hearing Aids 

There are many types of hearing aids and every person has individual needs: 

• Behind-the-Ear (BTE): Worn behind the ear and connected to an ear mold.  
• In-the-Ear (ITE): Custom-fitted to fit in the outer ear. 
• In-the-Canal (ITC)/Completely-in-Canal (CIC): Smaller devices that fit inside the ear canal. 
• Receiver-in-Canal (RIC): A type that has a speaker in the ear canal and is often discreet and comfortable.   

About Cochlear Implants  

Cochlear implants are advanced medical devices designed to provide a sense of sound to individuals who have severe hearing loss or are profoundly deaf.  

How They Work 

• An external microphone captures sound from the environment and sends this to the speech processor, which converts the sounds to digital signals. 
• The signals are sent to a transmitter coil that is placed on the head. 
• Internal electrodes directly stimulate the auditory nerve, bypassing damaged cochlear hair cells. 
• The brain interprets these signals as sound.  

Who Are Cochlear Implants For? 

Candidates can start with young infants with profound hearing loss who receive limited benefit from hearing aids. Early implantation can support spoken language acquisition and development. 

Providing Early Access to Language and Communication  

Exposing your child to language, particularly during the early years, is crucial. At Deaf Connect, our Therapy and Family Services team values and supports a wide range of communication options. We create spaces where children can communicate and express themselves in ways that feel natural and effective for them. This includes supporting children who use hearing aids, cochlear implants or other assistive devices – as well as those who may not use any devices. 

Whether through spoken language, signed language, AAC, or a combination of approaches, we empower families to make choices that best suit their child’s needs and communication journey. 

For a breakdown of the key terms used in this article, i.e. “hearing loss” and to learn more about empowering language surrounding deafness, click here: https://deafconnect.org.au/our-news/why-words-matter-deaf-perspective-on-language  

Please note that the information presented in our resources for parents is not intended to replace professional advice from qualified experts.  

References:  

Deaf Australia, Deaf Connect, & Per Capita. (2022). Exploring the Benefits of Auslan in Early Intervention Approaches for Deaf Children. https://deafconnect.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/dfc2704_per_capita_briefs_BENEFITS_OF_AUSLAN_EARLY_INTERVENTION_DIGITAL.pdf 

Metro South Hospital and Health Service. (2023). Mixed Hearing loss. https://www.metrosouth.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/225107/mixed-hearing-loss.pdf    

Types of Hearing Loss – Ear Science Institute Australia. (2024). Ear Science Institute Australia. https://www.earscience.org.au/lions-hearing-clinic/hearing-loss/types-of-hearing-loss/#:~:text=Conductive%2C%20Sensorineural%20and%20Mixed%20Hearing,hearing%20loss%2C%20mixed%20hearing%20loss  

Additional resources:  

• Children’s Health Queensland. (2023). Newborn Hearing Screening. https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/our-work/healthy-hearing/newborn-hearing-screening 
• Department of Health Victoria. (2017). Hearing problems in children. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hearing-problems-in-children#treatment-for-hearing-problems-in-children 
• Department of Health Western Australia. (2021). Newborn Hearing Screening Program Policy. https://www.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Corp/Policy-Frameworks/Public-Health/Newborn-Hearing-Screening-Program-Policy/Newborn-Hearing-Screening-Program-Policy.pdf 
• Department of Health and Aged Care. (2021). National Framework For Neonatal Hearing Screening. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/12/national-framework-for-neonatal-hearing-screening.pdf