Managing a severe hearing loss can be an isolating, distressing experience. While hearing aid technology has come a long way over the years, sometimes hearing aids just aren’t enough. Fortunately, cochlear implants have emerged as a revolutionary solution for hearing health, providing a beacon of hope for those with a severe hearing loss. Let’s explore the technology, candidacy criteria, and ongoing commitment required to embrace cochlear implants.
What Are Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implants are small, surgically implanted devices that can help to provide a sense of sound to individuals suffering from a moderate to severe hearing loss. The devices have an external component that sits behind the ear and an internal component that is surgically inserted under the skin. The implant is equipped with a microphone that serves to pick up sounds. A speech processor then arranges the sounds that are picked up by the microphone. The transmitter and receiver capture sound waves and convert them into electric impulses that are sent to the auditory nerve, and the brain interprets these impulses as sounds.
While hearing aids amplify sounds, cochlear implants directly stimulate the auditory nerve and serve as an electronic communicator, bridging the gap caused by damaged nerve cells and facilitating improved speech understanding.
Who Are Cochlear Implants Right For?
Cochlear implants are generally suited for children and adults who have a moderate to severe hearing loss. However, they are not for everyone, and a hearing test alone does not determine candidacy. Instead, a multifaceted approach involves assessing the functional performance of hearing aids, measuring speech understanding, and considering factors, including the cause and duration of hearing loss.
Candidacy is not solely determined by the audiologist. Surgeons who specialize in cochlear implants also play a crucial role in assessing the patient’s overall fit for the procedure.
The Post-Implantation Journey
Cochlear implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure. Of course, there is always a risk associated with any type of surgery, which is why comprehensive medical assessments to ensure the patient’s eligibility are necessary.
While cochlear implants can be truly transformative, you won’t hear better overnight. Post-implantation, the journey requires patience, perseverance, and practice. The activation of the implant is a unique experience, often marked by an adjustment period where patients gradually acclimate to the new auditory signals. Everyone’s journey with cochlear implants is different, and progress will depend on the amount of time the devices are used.
In order for a cochlear implant to function as designed, an audiologist must program it to meet the patient’s specific needs.
Our team performs initial and follow-up mapping on cochlear implant devices for all three approved cochlear implant models manufactured by Cochlear Americas, Advanced Bionics, and Med-El.
If you have any questions that you think we can help answer, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us here or give us a call in Pensacola at (850) 474-8328 or Gulf Breeze at (850) 969-2327.
