When hearing aids aren’t enough, cochlear implants can unlock a new world of sound and connection. These tiny devices are implanted through surgery and are meant for people who have moderate to extreme hearing impairment and continue to have trouble comprehending speech despite using 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 examine it more carefully!
What is a cochlear implant?
Different from hearing aids, which simply amplify sound, cochlear implants work by directly
stimulating the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged areas of the inner ear. This allows the brain to process and understand auditory information with greater clarity.
Components of cochlear implants:
- An external sound processor, which is placed behind the ear
- An internal receiver and electrode array, inserted underneath the skin and inside the cochlea during a surgical procedure
Together, they help restore access to sound for individuals who get little or no help from traditional hearing aids.
Basic candidacy standards
Both children and adults are approved by the FDA to use cochlear implants. Attributes of Ideal Candidates:
- Significant hearing impairment in both ears
- Limited benefit from hearing aids, particularly with understanding speech
- Motivation and reasonable expectations about the results of implantation
- Dedication to ongoing care, such as programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy
- Children as young as 9 months old, with extensive hearing loss in both ears
- Ages 2 and up, with severe to profound hearing loss, who receive limited help 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 make out words and conversations, in spite of using advanced hearing devices
- Have a strong ambition to communicate and stay socially connected
- Committed to participating in consistent auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
- A full hearing exam with and without hearing aids
- Testing for speech recognition
- Trying out a hearing aid, if you haven’t already
- Using medical imaging like CT scans or MRIs to examine the structure of the inner ear
- Consultation with an ENT professional or cochlear implant surgeon
- Conversation about goals, expectations, and communication rerquirments
Cochlear implants for children
Early implantation is key for children, especially when it comes to speech and language progression. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specific
conditions:
Early intervention helps ensure the best possible results for language acquisition, academic success, and social development. Parents are urged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.
Adult cochlear implants
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
Hearing loss can occur gradually or quickly in adults, either due to a slow advancement over time or as a result of sickness, injury, or genetic factors. In both scenarios, cochlear implants have the potential to significantly improve one’s life.
The assessment process
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is identified through a thorough assessment with a specialized hearing care team. This typically includes:
The team will collaborate to evaluate whether a cochlear implant is the best option, and if so, guide you through the next steps.
Restoring sound, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants may not be suitable for everyone, but for the appropriate individual, they have the potential to considerably improve communication skills, independence, and total well-being. Whether you’re considering this solution for yourself or your child, the first step is a personalized assessment with a qualified hearing care team.
If your hearing aids are no longer giving sufficient help, it might be helpful to consider cochlear implants.
Reach out to us to schedule a consultation and find out if you or your child is a candidate!
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/.