Cochlear implants can offer a whole new level of sound and communication when hearing aids are not enough. These little devices are implanted through surgery and are intended for individuals who have moderate to severe hearing impairment and continue to have trouble understanding speech in spite of 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 thoroughly!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Different from hearing aids, which merely amplify sound, cochlear implants work by directly
stimulating the auditory nerve, sidestepping the damaged parts of the inner ear. This helps the brain to receive and interpret sound signals more clearly.
Cochlear implants consist of:
- A sound processor located outside the ear, and placed behind it
- An internal receiver and electrode array, inserted beneath the skin and inside of the cochlea during a surgical procedure
Collectively, they help recover access to sound for people who get little or no help from conventional hearing aids.
primary guidelines for a cochlear implant
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Attributes of Ideal Candidates:
- Significant hearing impairment in both ears
- Limited benefit from hearing aids, especially with comprehending speech
- Enthusiasm and practical anticipations concerning the outcomes of implants
- Dedication to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
recovery - Kids as young as 9 months old, with profound hearing loss in both ears
- Children aged 2 and above with substantial to extreme hearing loss, who do not experience major improvement with traditional hearing aids
- Kids with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to diminish over time
- Have severe hearing loss 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 participate in ongoing hearing therapy and device programming
- A full hearing test with and without hearing aids
- Testing for speech recognition
- A hearing aid trial, if one hasn’t been completed recently
- Using medical imaging like CT scans or MRIs to analyze the structure of the inner ear
- Consultation with an ENT professional or cochlear implant surgeon
- Exploring goals, anticipated results, and information exchange needs
Hearing hope for young people: implant technology for children
Early implantation is important for kids, particularly when it comes to speech and language progression. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specified
conditions:
Early treatment helps assure the best possible outcomes for language acquisition, academic success, and social growth. If parents think their children may have hearing loss, they are advised to take prompt action.
Cochlear Implants for Adults
Adults of any age can take advantage of cochlear implants if they:
Hearing loss can occur slowly or quickly in adults, either due to a slow progression over time or as a result of sickness, injury, or genetic factors. Cochlear implants can be a life-changing option in either instance.
The evaluation process
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is determined through a comprehensive evaluation with a specialized hearing care team. This typically includes:
The team will collaborate to identify if a cochlear implant is the best choice and, if needed, walk you through the next stages.
Bringing back sound to improve life connections
Cochlear implants aren’t for everyone, but for the right candidate, they can dramatically improve communication, self-reliance, and quality of life. Whether you’re thinking about this option for yourself or your child, the initial step is a personalized assessment with an expert hearing care team.
If hearing aids aren’t helping as much as they used to, it may be time to look into 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/.
