When hearing aids aren’t enough, cochlear implants can unlock a new world of sound and connection. These little devices are implanted through surgery and are meant for people who have moderate to extreme hearing loss and continue to have trouble understanding speech despite using hearing aids. Who can potentially gain from a cochlear implant, and what criteria determine whether somebody is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s examine it more carefully!
What is a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants function by exciting the auditory nerve directly, averting the damaged parts of the inner ear, unlike hearing aids that simply amplify sound. This allows the brain to process and comprehend auditory information with better clarity.
Components of cochlear implants:
- An external sound processor, which is placed behind the ear
- An internal receiver and electrode array, inserted beneath the skin and inside of the cochlea during a surgical procedure
They work together to enhance hearing for individuals who get minimal or no help from conventional hearing aids
key requirements for a cochlear implant
Both children and adults are approved by the FDA to utilize cochlear implants. Suitable candidates typically meet the following requirements:
- Moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears
- Hearing aids are giving mediocere help, particularly in improving speech comprehension
- Incentive and realistic expectations about the results of implantation
- Dedication to ongoing care, such as programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy
- Infants as young as 9 months old experiencing extreme hearing loss in both ears
- Youngsters aged 2 and above with substantial to extreme hearing impairment, who do not experience major improvement with traditional hearing aids
- Children with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to decline over time
- Have severe hearing loss 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 consistent auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
- A comprehensive hearing test using and not using 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 evaluate inner ear anatomy
- Consultation with an ENT specialist or cochlear implant surgeon
- Exploring goals, expected outcomes, and information exchange needs
Hearing hope for young people: implant technology for kids
Timely placement of implants is essential for children, particularly in regard to the development of their speech and language capabilities. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specific
conditions:
Early treatment helps assure the best possible outcomes for language acquisition, scholastic success, and social development. If parents suspect hearing loss, they are advised to take prompt action.
Adult cochlear implants
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
Some adults lose hearing slowly over time, while others might lose it abruptly due to illness, trauma, or hereditary conditions. In both scenarios, cochlear implants have the potential to significantly improve one’s life.
The evaluation process
Qualification for a cochlear implant is evaluated through a comprehensive examination by a multidisciplinary team of hearing specialists. Typically, this evaluation involves:
The team will work together to assess whether a cochlear implant is the best option, and if so, assist you through the next steps.
Bringing back sound to improve life connections
Cochlear implants might not be appropriate for everybody, but for the appropriate person, they have the potential to significantly improve communication skills, independence, and overall well-being. Whether you’re considering this solution for yourself or your child, the first step is a personalized assessment with a qualified hearing care team.
If your hearing aids are no longer providing sufficient help, it might be helpful to consider 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/.