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 intended for individuals who have moderate to severe hearing impairment and continue to have trouble comprehending speech in spite of 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 candidate? Let’s take a closer look!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Different from hearing aids, which simply 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 decipher sound signals more clearly.
Cochlear implants are composed of:
- An external sound processor, which is positioned behind the ear
- An internal receiver and electrode array, inserted beneath the skin and inside the cochlea during a surgical procedure
Collectively, they help restore access to sound for individuals who get little or no help from conventional hearing aids.
Basic candidacy standards
Both kids and adults are approved by the FDA to utilize cochlear implants. Suitable candidates typically meet the following criteria:
- Moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears
- Hearing aids are providing mediocere help, particularly in increasing speech comprehension
- Incentive and reasonable expectations about the results of implantation
- Commitment to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
rehabilitation - Babies as young as 9 months old experiencing extreme hearing impairment in both ears
- Youngsters aged 2 and above with significant to extreme hearing impairment, who do not experience substantial improvement with conventional hearing aids
- Kids with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to decline over time
- Have extreme hearing loss in one or both ears
- Experience difficulty understanding speech, even with powerful hearing aids
- Have a strong desire to communicate and stay socially connected
- Committed to participating in continuous auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
- A full hearing exam 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
- Exploring objectives, anticipated outcomes, and information exchange needs
Cochlear implants for kids
Timely placement of implants is crucial for children, particularly regarding the advancement of their speech and language abilities. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specified
conditions:
Early treatment helps ensure the best possible results for language acquisition, academic success, and social growth. If parents think their children may have hearing loss, they are encouraged to take quick action.
Adult cochlear implants
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
Hearing loss can occur gradually or quickly in adults, either due to a slow progression over time or as a result of illness, injury, or genetic factors. In both scenarios, cochlear implants have the potential to significantly improve one’s life.
The evaluation process
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is determined through a thorough evaluation with a specialized hearing care team. This usually includes:
The team will team up to identify if a cochlear implant is the best choice and, if necessary, lead you through the subsequent stages.
Restoring sound, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants aren’t for everyone, but for the right candidate, they can significantly enhance communication, self-reliance, and quality of life. The initial step, whether it is for yourself or your child, entails going through 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.
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/.