When hearing aids aren’t enough, cochlear implants can unlock a new world of sound and connection. These tiny devices are implanted through surgery and are meant for individuals who have moderate to extreme hearing loss and continue to have difficulty understanding speech despite using hearing aids. Who can potentially gain from a cochlear implant, and what criteria establish whether somebody is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s examine it more thoroughly!
What is a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants function by stimulating the auditory nerve directly, avoiding the damaged sections of the inner ear, in contrast to hearing aids that only amplify sound. This allows the brain to process and understand auditory information with greater clarity.
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 underneath the skin and inside the cochlea
Together, they help recover access to sound for individuals who get little or no help from traditional hearing aids.
primary requirements for a cochlear implant
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Suitable candidates generally meet the following criteria:
- Substantial hearing impairment in both ears
- Limited results from hearing aids, particularly with understanding speech
- Incentive and realistic expectations about the outcomes of implantation
- Dedication to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
rehabilitation - Infants as young as 9 months old experiencing extreme hearing impairment in both ears
- Ages 2 and up, with severe to profound hearing loss, who get minimal help from hearing aids
- Children with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to decline over time
- Have extreme hearing loss in one or both ears
- Struggle to understand words and conversations, in spite of using advanced hearing aids
- Possess a deep desire to express yourself and stay connected to others
- Are willing to engage in continuing hearing therapy and device programming
- A comprehensive hearing test using and not using hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- 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
- Consulting 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 children
Early implantation is important for kids, especially when it comes to speech and language progression. The FDA currently approves cochlear implants for:
Early treatment helps ensure the best possible outcomes for language acquisition, scholastic success, and social development. Parents are encouraged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.
Adult cochlear implants
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
Some people lose hearing slowly over time, while others may lose it abruptly due to illness, trauma, or hereditary conditions. In both situations, cochlear implants have the potential to significantly improve one’s life.
The assessment process
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is determined through a comprehensive evaluation with a specialized hearing care team. This typically includes:
The team will team up to determine if a cochlear implant is the best choice and, if needed, walk you through the next stages.
Restoring hearing, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants aren’t for everybody, but for the suitable candidate, they can significantly improve communication, independence, and quality of life. The preliminary step, whether it is for yourself or your child, involves undergoing a customized 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.
Reach out to 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/.
