When hearing aids aren’t enough, cochlear implants can open 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 loss and continue to have trouble understanding speech despite using hearing aids. Who can potentially benefit from a cochlear implant, and what criteria establish whether someone is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s examine it more thoroughly!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Different from hearing aids, which simply amplify sound, cochlear implants work by directly
activating the auditory nerve, sidestepping the damaged parts of the inner ear. This helps the brain to receive and interpret sound signals more clearly.
Components of cochlear implants:
- An external sound processor, which is positioned behind the ear
- An internal receiver and electrode array, inserted underneath the skin and inside of 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.
primary requirements for a cochlear implant
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Ideal candidates generally meet the following criteria:
- Significant hearing impairment in both ears
- Hearing aids are providing modest help, especially in improving speech comprehension
- Motivation and reasonable expectations about the results of implantation
- Commitment to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
recovery - Infants as young as 9 months old experiencing severe hearing loss in both ears
- Youngsters aged 2 and older with substantial to severe hearing loss, who do not experience substantial improvement with conventional hearing aids
- Kids who experience continuing hearing deterioration benefit substantially from timely support, which plays a critical role in maximizing their potential for language capabilities, educational accomplishment, and social growth. If parents think their children may have hearing loss, they are advised to take quick action.
Cochlear Implants for Adults
Adults of any age can take advantage of cochlear implants if they:
- Experience significant impairment in one or both ears
- Struggle to understand words and conversations, in spite of using advanced hearing aids
- Have a strong ambition to communicate and remain socially connected
- Dedicated to participating in continuous auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
Hearing loss can occur slowly or quickly in adults, either due to a slow progression 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 evaluation process
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is determined through a comprehensive assessment with a specialized hearing care team. This typically includes:
- A full hearing test with and without hearing aids
- Testing for speech recognition
- A hearing aid trial, 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
- Discussion of goals, expectations, and communication needs
The team will collaborate to identify if a cochlear implant is the appropriate 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 significantly improve communication, self-reliance, and quality of life. The initial step, whether it is for yourself or your child, involves undergoing a personalized assessment 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 look into 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/.
Cochlear implants for kids
Early implantation is key for children, especially when it comes to speech and language progression. The FDA presently approves cochlear implants for: