If you or a loved one is deaf, partially deaf, or has trouble understanding speech, a cochlear implant may help. This electronic device is designed to bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and send sound signals directly to the auditory nerve, which the brain interprets as sound.
A cochlear implant has two main components:
An external processor worn behind the ear, which picks up sounds and converts them into electronic signals
An internal receiver and electrode array implanted under the skin and inside the inner ear, which receives the signals and stimulates the auditory nerve
The external and internal parts connect through magnets. When the microphone picks up sounds, the processor codes them into signals that are transmitted to the receiver. The receiver then sends the signals to the electrodes, which stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing the brain to perceive sound.
Cochlear implants can significantly improve hearing and speech understanding for many people with severe to profound hearing loss. Most users are better able to:
Understand speech in person and over the phone
Identify sounds like doorbells, alarms, and ringing phones
Sense where sounds are coming from
Hear and adjust their own voice
However, a cochlear implant does not restore hearing to "normal." Sound may be perceived differently, and the device's effectiveness varies from person to person. Intensive auditory therapy is necessary to train the brain to process the new form of sound input.
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for adults and children as young as 9 months who have moderate to profound hearing loss in one or both ears. Good candidates include those who:
Get limited benefit from hearing aids
Have no medical conditions that would make surgery risky
Understand the device's capabilities and limitations
Are committed to the necessary auditory therapy
For children, early implantation and intensive therapy are key to developing strong language and communication skills. Parents must carefully weigh the decision and be prepared to support their child's learning.
Getting a cochlear implant involves several steps:
Evaluation by a multidisciplinary team to determine candidacy
Outpatient surgery to implant the internal components
Recovery and healing for several weeks
Activation and programming of the external processor
Auditory therapy to learn to interpret the signals from the implant
Ongoing testing, adjustment, and maintenance of the device
Cochlear implants are expensive, typically costing tens of thousands of dollars for the device, surgery, and follow-up care. However, Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans cover them when medically necessary, unlike hearing aids.
Living with a cochlear implant involves some lifestyle adjustments, such as:
Keeping the processor dry and removing it for bathing and swimming
Protecting the implant during contact sports and activities
Taking precautions with certain medical procedures like MRIs
Being aware of potential interference from electrical, magnetic, or radio frequency sources
For those who choose not to get a cochlear implant or want to supplement its benefits, options include:
Learning a visual language like American Sign Language
Using assistive listening devices, captioning systems, and alerting devices
Trying other types of hearing aids or implants
A cochlear implant can be a life-changing technology for adults and children with significant hearing loss. While not a perfect solution, it can open up a world of sound and improve communication abilities for those who are good candidates. If you think you or your child may benefit, consult with a qualified care team to learn more and make an informed decision.
Involving your adult children in your healthcare can offer numerous benefits, such as having advocates to help you follow your treatment plan, communicate with your doctors, [...]
Getting a splinter can be painful and annoying, but in most cases, you can safely remove it at home. This guide will walk you through the process of removing a splinter and [...]
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in your body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. Despite its strength, this tendon is prone to injury, [...]