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 meant for people who have moderate to severe hearing impairment and continue to have difficulty comprehending 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 examine it more carefully!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Different from hearing aids, which merely amplify sound, cochlear implants work by directly
stimulating the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged parts of the inner ear. This allows the brain to process and comprehend auditory information with greater clarity.
Components of cochlear implants:
- An external sound processor, which is positioned behind the ear
- During a surgical procedure, an electrode array and internal receiver are placed underneath the skin and within the cochlea
They work together to improve hearing for individuals who receive minimal or no assistance from traditional hearing aids
Basic candidacy guidelines
Both children and adults are approved by the FDA to utilize cochlear implants. Attributes of Suitable Candidates:
- Significant hearing impairment in both ears
- Hearing aids are providing mediocere assistance, especially in increasing speech comprehension
- Enthusiasm and practical anticipations concerning the results of implants
- Dedication to ongoing care, including programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy
- Babies as young as 9 months old experiencing severe hearing loss in both ears
- Children aged 2 and older with significant to extreme hearing impairment, 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
- Experience trouble understanding speech, even with high quality hearing aids
- Have a strong desire to communicate and remain socially connected
- Are willing to engage in ongoing hearing therapy and device programming
- A comprehensive hearing test using and not using hearing aids
- Testing for speech recognition
- A hearing aid trial run, 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
- Examining objectives, anticipated results, and information exchange needs
Hearing hope for young people: implant technology for kids
Timely placement of implants is crucial for kids, particularly in regard to the development of their speech and language capabilities. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specific
conditions:
Early intervention helps assure the best possible results for language acquisition, academic success, and social growth. If parents suspect hearing loss, they are encouraged to take quick action.
Adult cochlear implants
Adults of any age can take advantage of cochlear implants if they:
Some people lose hearing slowly over time, while others may lose it suddenly as a result of illness, trauma, or genetic conditions. In both situations, cochlear implants have the potential to significantly improve one’s life.
The assessment process
Qualification for a cochlear implant is evaluated through a thorough exam by a multidisciplinary team of hearing professionals. Usually, this evaluation involves:
The team will team up to determine if a cochlear implant is the best choice and, if necessary, walk you through the subsequent stages.
Restoring sound, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants may not be appropriate for everyone, but for the appropriate individual, they have the potential to significantly improve communication skills, independence, and total well-being. The preliminary step, whether it is for yourself or your child, entails going through a customized assessment with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If your hearing aids are no longer providing sufficient help, it might 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/.
