When hearing aids aren’t enough, cochlear implants can open a new world of sound and connection. These small, surgically implanted devices are designed for people with moderate to extreme hearing loss who still struggle to understand speech, even with hearing aids. So, who can benefit from a cochlear implant, and how do you know if you or a loved one is a good prospect? Let’s have a closer look!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Cochlear implants function by stimulating the auditory nerve directly, avoiding the damaged sections of the inner ear, in contrast to hearing aids that simply amplify sound. This helps the brain to receive and interpret sound signals more clearly.
Cochlear implants are composed of:
- An external sound processor, which is positioned behind the ear
- During a surgical procedure, an electrode array and internal receiver are placed underneath the skin and inside the cochlea
Collectively, they help restore access to sound for people who get little or no benefit from traditional hearing aids.
primary requirements for a cochlear implant
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Characteristics of Suitable Candidates:
- Substantial hearing impairment in both ears
- Hearing aids are giving modest assistance, particularly in improving speech comprehension
- Enthusiasm and practical anticipations concerning the results of implants
- Commitment to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
recovery - Children as young as 9 months old, with profound hearing loss in both ears
- Ages 2 and up, with extreme to profound hearing loss, who get minimal benefit from hearing aids
- Kids with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to decline over time
- Experience significant impairment in one or both ears
- Struggle to understand words and conversations, despite using advanced hearing aids
- Have a strong desire to communicate and stay socially connected
- Are willing to engage in continuing hearing therapy and device programming
- A comprehensive hearing examination using and not using hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- A hearing aid trial, if one hasn’t been carried out recently
- Using medical imaging like CT scans or MRIs to examine the structure of the inner ear
- Consulting with an ear, nose, and throat doctor or a surgeon who specializes in cochlear implant procedures
- Discussion of goals, expectations, and communication rerquirments
Hearing hope for young people: implant technology for kids
Early implantation is key for children, especially when it comes to speech and language progression. The FDA presently approves cochlear implants for:
Early treatment helps assure the best possible results for language acquisition, academic success, and social growth. If parents think their children may have hearing loss, they are encouraged to take prompt action.
Adult cochlear implants
Adults of any age can take advantage of cochlear implants if they:
Hearing loss can happen gradually or suddenly in adults, either because of a slow progression over time or as a result of sickness, injury, or genetic factors. Cochlear implants can be a life-changing solution in either instance.
Getting assessed for cochlear implants
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is determined through a comprehensive evaluation with a specialized hearing care team. This usually includes:
The team will team up to identify if a cochlear implant is the appropriate choice and, if needed, lead you through the next stages.
Restoring hearing, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants may not be appropriate for everyone, but for the appropriate individual, they have the potential to significantly improve communication skills, independence, and total well-being. Whether you’re thinking about this solution for yourself or your child, the initial step is a personalized assessment with a qualified hearing care team.
If hearing aids aren’t helping as much as they used to, it may be time to look into cochlear implants.
If you think you or your child is a candidate for cochlear implants, schedule an appointment now!
Sources:.
– https://www.healthline.com/health/cochlear-implant.
– https://www.med.unc.edu/ent/adultcochlearimplant/cochlear-implants/cochlear-implant-.
evaluation-process/.
– https://www.cochlear.com/us/en/professionals/products-and-.
candidacy/candidacy/cochlear-implant.
– https://www.childrensent.com/blog/who-qualifies-for-pediatric-cochlear-implants-a-.
comprehensive-guide/.