Cochlear implants can provide a whole new level of sound and communication when hearing aids are not enough. These tiny devices are implanted through surgery and are intended for individuals who have moderate to extreme hearing loss and continue to have trouble understanding speech in spite of using hearing aids. Who can potentially benefit from a cochlear implant, and what criteria determine whether someone is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s take a closer look!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Cochlear implants work by exciting the auditory nerve directly, averting the damaged sections of the inner ear, in contrast to hearing aids that simply amplify sound. This enables the brain to process and understand auditory information with greater clarity.
Cochlear implants consist of:
- A sound processor mounted outside the ear, and placed behind it
- An internal receiver and electrode array, positioned beneath the skin and inside the cochlea during a surgical procedure
They work in unison to enhance hearing for people who get minimal or no assistance from traditional hearing aids
Basic candidacy standards
Both children and adults are approved by the FDA to use cochlear implants. Characteristics of Ideal Candidates:
- Moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears
- Hearing aids are providing modest assistance, especially in increasing speech comprehension
- Motivation and reasonable expectations about the outcomes of implantation
- Dedication to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
recovery - Children as young as 9 months old, with profound hearing loss in both ears
- Ages 2 and up, with severe to profound hearing loss, who get minimal benefit from hearing aids
- Kids who experience continuing hearing deterioration benefit substantially from prompt support, which plays a crucial role in maximizing their potential for language capabilities, academic accomplishment, and social progress. Parents are urged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.Adult cochlear implants
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
- Experience extreme impairment in one or both ears
- Struggle to make out words and conversations, despite using advanced hearing devices
- Have a strong ambition to communicate and stay socially connected
- Committed to participating in continuous auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
Hearing loss can happen gradually or quickly in adults, either because of a slow advancement over time or as a result of illness, injury, or genetic factors. In both scenarios, cochlear implants have the potential to substantially improve one’s life.
The evaluation process
Eligibility for a cochlear implant is assessed through a comprehensive examination by a multidisciplinary team of hearing professionals. Usually, this assessment involves:
- A comprehensive hearing examination using and not using hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- A hearing aid trial, if one hasn’t been completed recently
- Using medical imaging like CT scans or MRIs to examine the structure of the inner ear
- Consultation with an ENT professional or cochlear implant surgeon
- Examining goals, expected results, and information exchange requirements
The team will work together to evaluate whether a cochlear implant is the right solution, and if so, assist you through the next steps.
Restoring hearing, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants aren’t for everyone, but for the suitable candidate, they can dramatically improve communication, self-reliance, and quality of life. The initial step, whether it is for yourself or your child, entails going through a personalized evaluation with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If your hearing aids are no longer giving sufficient help, it might 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/.
Cochlear implants for children
Early implantation is key for children, particularly when it comes to speech and language progression. The FDA currently approves cochlear implants for: