Cochlear implants can provide a whole new degree of sound and communication when hearing aids are insufficient. These little devices are implanted through surgery and are meant for people who have moderate to severe hearing loss and continue to have difficulty comprehending speech in spite of using hearing aids. Who can potentially benefit from a cochlear implant, and what criteria establish whether someone is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s examine it more carefully!
What is a cochlear implant?
Different from hearing aids, which simply amplify sound, cochlear implants work by directly
stimulating the auditory nerve, sidestepping the damaged areas of the inner ear. This enables the brain to process and comprehend auditory information with better clarity.
Components of cochlear implants:
- A sound processor located outside the ear, and placed behind it
- During a surgical procedure, an electrode array and internal receiver are placed underneath the skin and inside the cochlea
Together, they help restore access to sound for people who get little or no benefit from traditional hearing aids.
General candidacy standards
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Suitable candidates typically meet the following requirements:
- Substantial hearing impairment in both ears
- Limited benefit from hearing aids, particularly with comprehending speech
- Incentive and reasonable expectations about the results of implantation
- Dedication to ongoing care, such as programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy
- Babies as young as 9 months old experiencing severe hearing loss in both ears
- Ages 2 and up, with extreme to profound hearing loss, who receive minimal benefit from hearing aids
- Children with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to diminish over time
- Experience significant impairment in one or both ears
- Struggle to make out words and conversations, despite using advanced hearing devices
- Have a strong desire to communicate and stay socially connected
- Committed to taking part in consistent auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
- A full hearing exam with and without hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- Trying out a hearing aid, if you haven’t already
- Medical imaging (such as CT or MRI) to evaluate inner ear anatomy
- Meeting with an ear, nose, and throat expert or a surgeon who specializes in cochlear implant surgery
- Conversation about goals, expectations, and communication needs
Hearing hope for young people: implant technology for kids
Timely placement of implants is crucial for children, particularly in regard to the advancement of their speech and language abilities. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specified
conditions:
Early treatment helps assure the best possible results for language acquisition, scholastic success, and social growth. Parents are urged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.
Cochlear Implants for Adults
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
Some people lose hearing gradually over time, while others might lose it suddenly as a result of illness, trauma, or hereditary conditions. Cochlear implants can be a life-changing option in either case.
The evaluation process
Eligibility for a cochlear implant is assessed through a thorough exam by a multidisciplinary team of hearing specialists. Usually, this evaluation involves:
The team will team up to determine if a cochlear implant is the best choice and, if needed, walk you through the subsequent stages.
Restoring hearing, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants may not be suitable for everybody, but for the appropriate person, they have the potential to significantly enhance communication skills, independence, and overall well-being. Whether you’re thinking about this option for yourself or your child, the first step is a personalized assessment with an expert hearing care team.
If your hearing aids are no longer providing adequate assistance, it could be beneficial to think about cochlear implants.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and find out if you or your child is a candidate!
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/.