Cochlear implants can provide a whole new level of sound and communication when hearing aids are insufficient. These little devices are implanted through surgery and are intended for people who have moderate to extreme hearing impairment and continue to have trouble comprehending speech in spite of using hearing aids. Who can potentially gain from a cochlear implant, and what criteria establish whether someone is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s examine it more thoroughly!
What is a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants function by exciting the auditory nerve directly, averting the damaged parts of the inner ear, unlike hearing aids that only amplify sound. This allows the brain to process and comprehend auditory information with better clarity.
Cochlear implants consist of:
- A sound processor mounted outside the ear, and positioned behind it
- During a surgical procedure, an electrode array and internal receiver are placed beneath the skin and within the cochlea
They work in unison to improve hearing for people who get minimal or no assistance from traditional hearing aids
key guidelines for a cochlear implant
Both children and adults are approved by the FDA to use cochlear implants. Attributes of Suitable Candidates:
- Moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears
- Hearing aids are giving mediocere help, especially in increasing speech comprehension
- Motivation and reasonable expectations about the outcomes of implantation
- Commitment to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
rehabilitation - Babies as young as 9 months old experiencing extreme hearing loss in both ears
- Youngsters aged 2 and above with significant to extreme hearing impairment, who do not experience major improvement with conventional hearing aids
- Kids with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to decline over time
- Have extreme hearing loss in one or both ears
- Struggle to make out words and conversations, despite using advanced hearing aids
- Have a strong ambition to communicate and stay socially connected
- Are willing to engage in continuing hearing therapy and device programming
- A comprehensive hearing test using and not using hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- A hearing aid trial, if one hasn’t been carried out recently
- Medical imaging (such as CT or MRI) to assess inner ear anatomy
- Consulting with an ear, nose, and throat doctor or a surgeon who specializes in cochlear implant surgery
- Discussion of goals, expectations, and communication rerquirments
Hearing hope for young minds: implant technology for children
Timely placement of implants is crucial for children, particularly in regard to the development of their speech and language capabilities. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specific
conditions:
Early treatment helps assure the best possible results for language acquisition, scholastic success, and social growth. If parents think their children may have hearing loss, they are advised to take quick action.
Adult cochlear implants
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
Some people lose hearing gradually over time, while others may lose it abruptly as a result of illness, trauma, or genetic conditions. Cochlear implants can be a life-altering solution in either case.
Getting evaluated for cochlear implants
Qualification for a cochlear implant is evaluated through a thorough exam by a multidisciplinary team of hearing professionals. Typically, this evaluation involves:
The team will collaborate to identify if a cochlear implant is the appropriate option and, if necessary, walk you through the subsequent stages.
Restoring sound, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants aren’t for everybody, but for the right candidate, they can significantly improve communication, independence, and quality of life. Whether you’re considering this solution for yourself or your child, the first step is a personalized assessment with an expert hearing care team.
If hearing aids aren’t helping as much as they used to, it may be time to look into 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/.