Cochlear implants can provide a whole new degree of sound and communication when hearing aids are not enough. These little devices are implanted through surgery and are intended for individuals who have moderate to extreme hearing impairment and continue to have difficulty comprehending speech despite using hearing aids. So, who can benefit from a cochlear implant, and how do you know if you or a loved one is a good candidate? Let’s examine it more thoroughly!
What is a cochlear implant?
Different from hearing aids, which simply amplify sound, cochlear implants work by directly
activating the auditory nerve, sidestepping the damaged parts of the inner ear. This enables the brain to process and understand auditory information with better clarity.
Components of cochlear implants:
- A sound processor located outside the ear, and placed behind it
- An internal receiver and electrode array, inserted underneath the skin and inside the cochlea during a surgical procedure
Together, they help recover access to sound for individuals who get little or no benefit from traditional hearing aids.
General candidacy standards
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:
- Significant hearing impairment in both ears
- Minimal benefit from hearing aids, especially with understanding speech
- Motivation and reasonable expectations about the outcomes of implantation
- Adherence to ongoing care, including programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy
- Babies as young as 9 months old experiencing severe hearing impairment in both ears
- Ages 2 and up, with severe to profound hearing loss, who get minimal benefit from hearing aids
- Kids with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to decline over time
- Have extreme hearing loss in one or both ears
- Experience trouble understanding speech, even with powerful hearing aids
- Possess a deep need to express yourself and stay connected to others
- Are willing to participate in ongoing hearing therapy and device programming
- A full hearing exam 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
- Examining goals, anticipated results, and information exchange needs
Hearing hope for young minds: implant technology for children
Early implantation is important for kids, especially when it comes to speech and language development. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specific
conditions:
Early intervention helps assure the best possible outcomes for language acquisition, scholastic success, and social growth. If parents suspect hearing loss, they are encouraged to take quick action.
Adult cochlear implants
Adults of any age can take advantage of cochlear implants if they:
Hearing loss can occur gradually or suddenly in adults, either because of a slow advancement over time or as a result of illness, injury, or genetic factors. Cochlear implants can be a life-changing solution in either case.
Getting assessed for cochlear implants
Qualification for a cochlear implant is evaluated through a comprehensive exam by a multidisciplinary team of hearing specialists. Usually, this assessment involves:
The team will collaborate to assess whether a cochlear implant is the best solution, and if so, guide you through the next steps.
Restoring hearing, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants might not be appropriate for everybody, but for the appropriate person, they have the potential to considerably enhance communication skills, independence, and total well-being. The preliminary step, whether it is for yourself or your child, entails undergoing a personalized evaluation with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If your hearing aids are no longer providing adequate assistance, it might be beneficial to consider 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/.
