When hearing aids aren’t enough, cochlear implants can open a new world of sound and connection. These little devices are implanted through surgery and are meant for individuals who have moderate to severe hearing impairment and continue to have trouble understanding speech in spite of using hearing aids. Who can potentially gain from a cochlear implant, and what criteria establish whether someone is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s take a closer look!
What is a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants work by stimulating the auditory nerve directly, averting the damaged sections of the inner ear, unlike hearing aids that simply amplify sound. This enables the brain to process and understand auditory information with greater clarity.
Cochlear implants consist of:
- An external sound processor, which is placed behind the ear
- An internal receiver and electrode array, positioned underneath the skin and inside the cochlea during a surgical procedure
They work together to improve hearing for people who receive minimal or no assistance from conventional hearing aids
primary guidelines for a cochlear implant
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Ideal candidates typically meet the following requirements:
- Moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears
- Hearing aids are giving modest help, particularly in increasing speech comprehension
- Motivation and reasonable expectations about the outcomes of implantation
- Adherence to ongoing care, including programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy
- Infants as young as 9 months old experiencing extreme hearing impairment in both ears
- Children aged 2 and above with substantial to extreme hearing impairment, who do not experience substantial improvement with conventional hearing aids
- Kids who experience continuing hearing deterioration benefit substantially from prompt support, which plays a critical role in maximizing their potential for language skills, educational achievement, and social growth. Parents are urged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.Adult cochlear implants
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
- Have severe hearing loss in one or both ears
- Struggle to make out words and conversations, in spite of using advanced hearing aids
- Possess a deep need to express yourself and remain linked to others
- Are willing to engage in ongoing hearing therapy and device programming
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 variables. In both scenarios, cochlear implants have the potential to significantly improve one’s life.
The assessment process
Qualification for a cochlear implant is assessed through a comprehensive examination by a multidisciplinary team of hearing specialists. Typically, this assessment involves:
- A comprehensive hearing test using and not using hearing aids
- Testing for speech recognition
- Trying out a hearing aid, if you haven’t already
- Using medical imaging like CT scans or MRIs to examine the structure of the inner ear
- Consultation with an ENT specialist or cochlear implant surgeon
- Examining goals, anticipated outcomes, and information exchange requirements
The team will collaborate to determine if a cochlear implant is the appropriate choice and, if needed, lead you through the subsequent stages.
Bringing back sound to enhance life connections
Cochlear implants may not be appropriate for everyone, but for the appropriate individual, they have the potential to considerably improve communication skills, independence, and total well-being. The preliminary step, whether it is for yourself or your child, entails undergoing a personalized evaluation with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If hearing aids aren’t helping as much as they used to, it may be time to explore cochlear implants.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and discover 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/.
Hearing hope for young people: implant technology for kids
Early implantation is important for kids, especially when it comes to speech and language development. The FDA presently approves cochlear implants for: