Cochlear implants can offer a whole new degree of sound and communication when hearing aids are insufficient. These small, surgically implanted devices are made for individuals with moderate to profound hearing loss who still strain to comprehend 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 examine it more carefully!
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 simply amplify sound. This helps the brain to receive and decipher sound signals more clearly.
Components of cochlear implants:
- A sound processor mounted outside the ear, and positioned behind it
- During a surgical procedure, an electrode array and internal receiver are placed beneath the skin and inside the cochlea
They work in unison to enhance hearing for people who get minimal or no help from traditional hearing aids
Basic candidacy guidelines
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
- Minimal benefit from hearing aids, particularly with understanding speech
- Enthusiasm and practical anticipations concerning the outcomes of implants
- Dedication to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
recovery - Babies as young as 9 months old experiencing extreme hearing impairment in both ears
- Youngsters aged 2 and older with significant to severe hearing impairment, who do not experience major improvement with conventional hearing aids
- Children with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to diminish over time
- Experience significant impairment in one or both ears
- Experience difficulty understanding speech, even with powerful hearing aids
- Possess a deep need to express yourself and stay connected to others
- Dedicated to participating in continuous auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
- A full hearing test with and without hearing aids
- Testing for speech recognition
- A hearing aid trial, if one hasn’t been carried out recently
- Medical imaging (such as CT or MRI) to assess inner ear anatomy
- Consultation with an ENT professional or cochlear implant surgeon
- Exploring goals, anticipated outcomes, and information exchange requirements
Cochlear implants for children
Timely placement of implants is essential for kids, particularly regarding the development of their speech and language capabilities. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specific
conditions:
Early treatment helps assure the best possible results for language acquisition, scholastic 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 happen slowly or quickly in adults, either due to a slow advancement over time or as a result of sickness, injury, or genetic factors. In both situations, cochlear implants have the potential to substantially improve one’s life.
Getting evaluated for cochlear implants
Eligibility for a cochlear implant is evaluated through a comprehensive examination by a multidisciplinary team of hearing specialists. Usually, this evaluation involves:
The team will team up to determine if a cochlear implant is the appropriate choice and, if needed, walk you through the next stages.
Restoring sound, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants may not be appropriate for everybody, but for the appropriate person, they have the potential to significantly enhance communication skills, independence, and overall well-being. The initial step, whether it is for yourself or your child, involves undergoing a personalized assessment with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If your hearing aids are no longer providing adequate assistance, it could be helpful to consider 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/.