When hearing aids aren’t enough, cochlear implants can open a new world of sound and connection. These little, surgically implanted devices are made for individuals with moderate to extreme hearing loss who still struggle to understand speech, even with hearing aids. So, who can benefit from a cochlear implant, and how do you know if you or a loved one is a good prospect? Let’s take a closer look!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Cochlear implants work by exciting the auditory nerve directly, averting the damaged parts of the inner ear, unlike hearing aids that simply amplify sound. This enables the brain to process and comprehend auditory information with greater clarity.
Components of cochlear implants:
- A sound processor located outside the ear, and positioned behind it
- An internal receiver and electrode array, inserted underneath the skin and inside of the cochlea during a surgical procedure
They work together to improve hearing for individuals who get minimal or no help from conventional hearing aids
General candidacy guidelines
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Suitable candidates generally meet the following criteria:
- Moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears
- Limited benefit from hearing aids, particularly with understanding speech
- Enthusiasm and reasonable anticipations concerning the results of implants
- Dedication to ongoing care, such as programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy
- Kids as young as 9 months old, with profound hearing loss in both ears
- Ages 2 and up, with extreme to profound hearing loss, who receive minimal help from hearing aids
- Children with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to diminish over time
- Have severe hearing loss in one or both ears
- Experience difficulty understanding speech, even with powerful hearing aids
- Possess a deep desire to express yourself and stay linked to others
- Are willing to engage in ongoing hearing therapy and device programming
- A full hearing test with and without hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- Trying out a hearing aid, if you haven’t already
- Using medical imaging like CT scans or MRIs to analyze the structure of the inner ear
- Consultation with an ENT professional or cochlear implant surgeon
- Discussion of goals, expectations, and communication rerquirments
Hearing hope for young people: implant technology for children
Timely placement of implants is crucial for kids, especially regarding the advancement of their speech and language capabilities. The FDA presently approves cochlear implants for:
Early intervention helps ensure the best possible outcomes for language acquisition, scholastic success, and social development. Parents are urged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.
Cochlear Implants for Adults
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
Hearing loss can occur slowly or quickly in adults, either due to a slow advancement over time or as a result of sickness, injury, or genetic factors. Cochlear implants can be a life-altering option in either case.
The evaluation process
Eligibility for a cochlear implant is assessed through a thorough exam by a multidisciplinary team of hearing specialists. Usually, this assessment involves:
The team will work together to assess whether a cochlear implant is the right solution, and if so, guide you through the next steps.
Bringing back sound to enhance life connections
Cochlear implants might not be appropriate for everyone, but for the appropriate person, they have the potential to significantly improve communication skills, independence, and total well-being. The preliminary step, whether it is for yourself or your child, involves going through a personalized assessment with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If your hearing aids are no longer providing adequate help, it may be beneficial to think about cochlear implants.
If you think you or your child is a candidate for cochlear implants, schedule an appointment now!
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/.