When hearing aids aren’t sufficient, cochlear implants can open a new world of sound and connection. These little devices are implanted through surgery and are intended for individuals who have moderate to extreme hearing impairment and continue to have trouble understanding 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 take a closer look!
What is a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants work by exciting the auditory nerve directly, averting the damaged parts of the inner ear, in contrast to hearing aids that simply amplify sound. This allows the brain to process and comprehend auditory information with greater clarity.
Components of cochlear implants:
- An external sound processor, which is placed behind the ear
- During a surgical procedure, an electrode array and internal receiver are placed beneath the skin and inside the cochlea
Collectively, they help restore access to sound for people who get little or no help from traditional hearing aids.
key requirements for a cochlear implant
Both kids and adults are approved by the FDA to use cochlear implants. Suitable candidates generally meet the following criteria:
- Significant hearing impairment in both ears
- Hearing aids are providing modest help, particularly in increasing speech comprehension
- Motivation and reasonable expectations about the outcomes of implantation
- Adherence to ongoing care, such as programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy
- Infants as young as 9 months old experiencing extreme hearing loss in both ears
- Ages 2 and up, with extreme to profound hearing loss, who get limited help from hearing aids
- Children with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to diminish over time
- Experience significant impairment in one or both ears
- Struggle to make out words and conversations, despite using advanced hearing devices
- Have a strong desire to communicate and remain socially connected
- Are willing to engage in ongoing hearing therapy and device programming
- A full hearing test with and without hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- Trying out a hearing aid, if you haven’t already
- Medical imaging (such as CT or MRI) to assess inner ear anatomy
- Meeting with an ear, nose, and throat expert or a surgeon who specializes in cochlear implant surgery
- Discussion of goals, expectations, and communication rerquirments
Hearing hope for young minds: implant technology for kids
Timely placement of implants is essential for kids, especially regarding the development of their speech and language capabilities. 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 growth. Parents are encouraged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.
Adult cochlear implants
Adults of any age can benefit from cochlear implants if they:
Some people lose hearing slowly over time, while others might lose it abruptly due to illness, trauma, or hereditary conditions. Cochlear implants can be a life-altering option in either case.
Getting assessed for cochlear implants
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is determined through a thorough evaluation with a specialized hearing care team. This usually includes:
The team will team up to identify if a cochlear implant is the appropriate option and, if needed, walk you through the subsequent stages.
Bringing back sound to enhance life connections
Cochlear implants may not be suitable for everyone, but for the appropriate individual, they have the potential to significantly improve communication skills, independence, and total well-being. The initial step, whether it is for yourself or your child, involves going through a customized 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 explore cochlear implants.
Contact 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/.