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Cochlear Implants: When Hearing Aids Aren't Enough
Published: Jan 11, 2024
For some people with severe hearing loss, even the most powerful hearing aids aren't enough. That's where cochlear implants come in. These remarkable devices can bypass damaged parts of the ear to directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
What is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that can provide a sense of sound to someone who is profoundly deaf or severely hard-of-hearing. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass the damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. The implant consists of an external part that sits behind the ear and an internal part that's surgically placed under the skin.
How Does It Work?
The external part of the implant has a microphone to pick up sounds and a speech processor to convert those sounds into digital signals. These signals are then transmitted to the internal part of the implant. The internal component sends electrical signals to electrodes placed in the cochlea, stimulating the auditory nerve. The brain interprets these signals as sound, allowing the person to perceive sounds and speech.
The Implantation Procedure
Getting a cochlear implant involves surgery under general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes 2-4 hours. The surgeon makes an incision behind the ear to place the internal component and thread the electrode array into the cochlea. Most people go home the same day or the day after surgery. The external part isn't attached until a few weeks later, allowing time for healing.
Learning to Hear Again
After the external processor is activated, the real work begins. The brain needs time to learn how to interpret the new signals it's receiving. This process, called auditory rehabilitation, can take months or even years. It involves working with audiologists and speech therapists to train the brain to recognize and interpret sounds. With time and practice, many people with cochlear implants can understand speech well, even over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
People with severe hearing loss who get little benefit from hearing aids.
No, even elderly adults can benefit from cochlear implants.
Sound quality improves over time but isn't exactly like natural hearing.
Many insurance plans cover them if medically necessary.
The internal part is waterproof; the external part must be removed.
A Life-Changing Option
For those with severe hearing loss, cochlear implants can open up a world of sound and improve quality of life dramatically.
References
- Eshraghi AA, et al. Cochlear implant surgery in patients more than seventy-nine years old. Laryngoscope 2009; 119:1180.
- Francis HW, et al. Impact of cochlear implants on the functional health status of older adults. Laryngoscope 2002; 112:1482.
- Sanchez-Cuadrado I, et al. Is there an age limit for cochlear implantation? Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2013; 122:222.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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