When hearing aids aren’t sufficient, cochlear implants can open a new world of sound and connection. These small, surgically implanted devices are made for people with moderate to profound hearing loss who still strain 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 candidate? Let’s take a closer look!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Cochlear implants work by exciting the auditory nerve directly, avoiding the damaged sections of the inner ear, unlike hearing aids that only amplify sound. This enables the brain to process and comprehend auditory information with better clarity.
Cochlear implants consist of:
- A sound processor mounted outside the ear, and placed behind it
- An internal receiver and electrode array, positioned beneath the skin and inside the cochlea during a surgical procedure
They work in unison to enhance hearing for people who get minimal or no assistance from conventional hearing aids
key guidelines for a cochlear implant
Both children and adults are approved by the FDA to utilize cochlear implants. Suitable candidates generally meet the following criteria:
- Moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears
- Hearing aids are providing mediocere help, especially in increasing speech comprehension
- Motivation and reasonable expectations about the results of implantation
- Commitment to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
recovery - Kids as young as 9 months old, with extensive hearing loss in both ears
- Children aged 2 and older with substantial to severe hearing impairment, who do not experience substantial improvement with conventional hearing aids
- Children with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to diminish over time
- Have extreme hearing loss in one or both ears
- Experience difficulty understanding speech, even with high quality hearing aids
- Have a strong ambition to communicate and remain socially connected
- Committed to taking part in continuous 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
- Meeting with an ear, nose, and throat doctor or a surgeon who specializes in cochlear implant procedures
- Exploring goals, anticipated outcomes, and information exchange needs
Hearing hope for young minds: implant technology for children
Early implantation is important for kids, especially when it comes to speech and language progression. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specified
conditions:
Early intervention helps assure the best possible outcomes for language acquisition, academic success, and social growth. Parents are urged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.
Cochlear Implants for Adults
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
Some people lose hearing slowly over time, while others may lose it abruptly as a result of illness, trauma, or hereditary conditions. Cochlear implants can be a life-altering option in either instance.
Getting assessed for cochlear implants
Qualification for a cochlear implant is assessed through a comprehensive exam by a multidisciplinary team of hearing specialists. Typically, this evaluation involves:
The team will collaborate to determine if a cochlear implant is the best option and, if necessary, walk you through the next stages.
Bringing back sound to enhance life connections
Cochlear implants might not be appropriate for everyone, but for the appropriate individual, they have the potential to considerably enhance communication skills, independence, and total well-being. The initial step, whether it is for yourself or your child, entails going through a personalized evaluation with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If hearing aids aren’t helping as much as they used to, it might 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/.