When hearing aids aren’t sufficient, cochlear implants can open a new world of sound and connection. These small, surgically implanted devices are designed for individuals with moderate to extreme hearing loss who still struggle to comprehend speech, even with hearing aids. Who can potentially gain from a cochlear implant, and what criteria determine whether somebody is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s have a closer look!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Different from hearing aids, which merely amplify sound, cochlear implants work by directly
activating the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged areas of the inner ear. This helps the brain to receive and interpret sound signals more clearly.
Components of cochlear implants:
- An external sound processor, which is positioned behind the ear
- An internal receiver and electrode array, positioned underneath the skin and inside of the cochlea during a surgical procedure
They work in unison to improve hearing for people who receive minimal or no help from conventional hearing aids
General candidacy guidelines
Both children and adults are approved by the FDA to use cochlear implants. Characteristics of Suitable Candidates:
- Significant hearing impairment in both ears
- Minimal benefit from hearing aids, particularly with comprehending speech
- Incentive and reasonable expectations about the outcomes 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 above with significant to severe hearing loss, who do not experience substantial improvement with conventional hearing aids
- Kids with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to decline over time
- Experience extreme impairment in one or both ears
- Experience trouble understanding speech, even with high quality hearing aids
- Possess a deep need to express yourself and stay connected to others
- Are willing to engage in ongoing hearing therapy and device programming
- A full hearing exam 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 evaluate inner ear anatomy
- Consultation with an ENT professional or cochlear implant surgeon
- Discussion of goals, expectations, and communication rerquirments
Cochlear implants for kids
Early implantation is important for kids, particularly when it comes to speech and language development. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specific
conditions:
Early treatment helps assure the best possible outcomes 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:
Some adults lose hearing slowly over time, while others may lose it suddenly as a result of illness, trauma, or genetic conditions. In both scenarios, cochlear implants have the potential to significantly improve one’s life.
Getting evaluated for cochlear implants
Eligibility for a cochlear implant is assessed through a comprehensive examination by a multidisciplinary team of hearing professionals. Usually, this evaluation involves:
The team will collaborate to determine if a cochlear implant is the appropriate option and, if needed, walk you through the subsequent stages.
Restoring hearing, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants aren’t for everyone, but for the suitable candidate, they can dramatically improve communication, self-reliance, and quality of life. The preliminary step, whether it is for yourself or your child, entails undergoing a customized assessment with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If your hearing aids are no longer providing adequate assistance, it might be helpful to think about 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/.