When hearing aids aren’t sufficient, 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 extreme hearing impairment and continue to have difficulty 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 take a closer look!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Different from hearing aids, which merely amplify sound, cochlear implants work by directly
activating the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged areas of the inner ear. This allows the brain to process and comprehend auditory information with better clarity.
Components of cochlear implants:
- A sound processor mounted outside the ear, and positioned behind it
- An internal receiver and electrode array, positioned underneath the skin and inside the cochlea during a surgical procedure
They work together to enhance hearing for people who receive minimal or no help from conventional hearing aids
primary guidelines for a cochlear implant
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Attributes of Ideal Candidates:
- Moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears
- Hearing aids are providing modest assistance, especially in improving speech comprehension
- Incentive and realistic expectations about the results of implantation
- Dedication to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
rehabilitation - Kids as young as 9 months old, with extensive hearing loss in both ears
- Children aged 2 and older with significant to extreme hearing impairment, who do not experience substantial improvement with traditional hearing aids
- Kids with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to diminish over time
- Experience extreme impairment 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 taking part in consistent auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
- A full hearing test with and without hearing aids
- Testing for speech recognition
- A hearing aid trial run, if one hasn’t been carried out recently
- Medical imaging (such as CT or MRI) to evaluate inner ear anatomy
- Consulting with an ear, nose, and throat doctor or a surgeon who specializes in cochlear implant procedures
- Discussion of goals, expectations, and communication needs
Hearing hope for young people: implant technology for children
Timely placement of implants is essential for kids, particularly regarding the advancement of their speech and language capabilities. The FDA currently approves cochlear implants for:
Early intervention helps ensure the best possible results for language acquisition, scholastic success, and social development. If parents think their children may have 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 occur slowly or suddenly in adults, either because of a slow progression over time or as a result of illness, injury, or genetic variables. Cochlear implants can be a life-changing solution in either instance.
Getting evaluated for cochlear implants
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is identified through a thorough assessment with a specialized hearing care team. This usually includes:
The team will team up to identify if a cochlear implant is the best option and, if necessary, walk you through the next stages.
Bringing back sound to improve life connections
Cochlear implants may not be appropriate for everybody, but for the appropriate individual, they have the potential to considerably improve communication skills, independence, and total 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 hearing aids aren’t helping as much as they used to, it might 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/.