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 intended for people who have moderate to severe hearing loss and continue to have trouble comprehending speech in spite of using hearing aids. Who can potentially gain from a cochlear implant, and what criteria determine whether someone is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s take a closer look!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Cochlear implants work by stimulating the auditory nerve directly, avoiding the damaged sections of the inner ear, in contrast to hearing aids that simply amplify sound. This helps the brain to receive and decipher sound signals more clearly.
Cochlear implants consist of:
- An external sound processor, which is placed behind the ear
- An internal receiver and electrode array, positioned beneath the skin and inside the cochlea during a surgical procedure
Together, they help recover access to sound for individuals who get little or no benefit from conventional hearing aids.
key guidelines for a cochlear implant
Both kids and adults are approved by the FDA to use cochlear implants. Characteristics of Ideal Candidates:
- Moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears
- Minimal benefit from hearing aids, particularly with comprehending speech
- Motivation and reasonable expectations about the outcomes of implantation
- Dedication to ongoing care, such as programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy
- Infants as young as 9 months old experiencing severe hearing loss in both ears
- Ages 2 and up, with extreme to profound hearing loss, who receive limited benefit from hearing aids
- Children with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to diminish over time
- Experience extreme impairment in one or both ears
- Struggle to make out words and conversations, despite using advanced hearing aids
- Have a strong ambition to communicate and stay socially connected
- Committed to participating in consistent auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
- A full hearing test with and without hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- A hearing aid trial run, if one hasn’t been completed recently
- Medical imaging (such as CT or MRI) to assess inner ear anatomy
- Consultation with an ENT specialist or cochlear implant surgeon
- Conversation about goals, expectations, and communication needs
Hearing hope for young people: implant technology for kids
Early implantation is key for children, particularly when it comes to speech and language progression. The FDA currently approves cochlear implants for:
Early treatment helps assure the best possible results for language acquisition, scholastic success, and social growth. If parents suspect hearing loss, they are advised to take prompt action.
Adult cochlear implants
Adults of any age can benefit from cochlear implants if they:
Hearing loss can happen slowly or quickly in adults, either due to a slow advancement over time or as a result of illness, injury, or genetic factors. Cochlear implants can be a life-changing solution in either case.
The evaluation process
Eligibility 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 identify if a cochlear implant is the best choice and, if needed, walk you through the subsequent stages.
Bringing back sound to enhance life connections
Cochlear implants aren’t for everyone, but for the right candidate, they can dramatically improve communication, self-reliance, and quality of life. Whether you’re thinking about this option for yourself or your child, the first step is a personalized assessment with an expert hearing care team.
If your hearing aids are no longer providing sufficient assistance, it could 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/.