Cochlear implants can provide a whole new degree of sound and communication when hearing aids are insufficient. These small, surgically implanted devices are made for people with moderate to profound hearing loss who still struggle to understand speech, even with 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 examine it more thoroughly!
What is a cochlear implant?
Different from hearing aids, which merely amplify sound, cochlear implants work by directly
stimulating the auditory nerve, sidestepping the damaged areas of the inner ear. This helps the brain to receive and interpret sound signals more clearly.
Components of cochlear implants:
- An external sound processor, which is positioned behind the ear
- 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 people who get little or no benefit from traditional hearing aids.
primary requirements for a cochlear implant
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Characteristics of Suitable Candidates:
- Substantial hearing impairment in both ears
- Hearing aids are providing mediocere help, particularly in increasing speech comprehension
- Enthusiasm and reasonable anticipations concerning the results of implants
- Commitment to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
rehabilitation - Infants as young as 9 months old experiencing extreme hearing loss in both ears
- Children aged 2 and older with substantial to severe hearing impairment, who do not experience major improvement with traditional hearing aids
- Kids with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to diminish over time
- Experience significant impairment in one or both ears
- Struggle to understand words and conversations, in spite of using advanced hearing aids
- Possess a deep desire to express yourself and remain connected to others
- Dedicated to taking part in continuous auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
- A comprehensive hearing examination using and not using 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
- Consulting with an ear, nose, and throat doctor or a surgeon who specializes in cochlear implant surgery
- Examining objectives, anticipated results, and information exchange requirements
Cochlear implants for children
Timely placement of implants is crucial for kids, particularly in regard to the development of their speech and language abilities. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specified
conditions:
Early intervention helps assure the best possible results for language acquisition, academic success, and social growth. If parents think their children may have hearing loss, they are encouraged to take prompt action.
Cochlear Implants for Adults
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
Hearing loss can occur slowly or quickly in adults, either due to a slow progression over time or as a result of sickness, injury, or genetic variables. In both scenarios, cochlear implants have the potential to substantially improve one’s life.
The evaluation process
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is determined through a comprehensive evaluation with a specialized hearing care team. This typically includes:
The team will collaborate to determine if a cochlear implant is the best option and, if needed, lead you through the next stages.
Restoring sound, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants may not be appropriate for everyone, but for the appropriate individual, they have the potential to considerably improve communication skills, independence, and total well-being. The preliminary step, whether it is for yourself or your child, entails going through a customized evaluation with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If your hearing aids are no longer providing sufficient help, it might be helpful 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/.
