If you have moderate to severe hearing loss, a cochlear implant could be a viable solution. Let’s explore what cochlear implants are and how they assist individuals who struggle with hearing but don’t find traditional hearing aids helpful.
What Are Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implants are small electronic devices designed to electrically stimulate the auditory nerve, helping people with significant hearing loss perceive sound. The system consists of both external and internal components.
The external portion of the implant sits behind the ear and contains a microphone along with a battery. Its role is to capture sound, convert it into signals and send those signals to the internal part of the device.
Internally, the implant includes a magnet, electrodes and electronics. These are surgically positioned behind the ear, with electrodes placed inside the cochlea within the inner ear.
Are You a Candidate for a Cochlear Implant?
Several companies in the U.S. manufacture FDA-approved cochlear implants, and although their specific criteria may vary slightly, the general guidelines are consistent. You may qualify for a cochlear implant if:
- You have moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears
- You experience significant difficulty understanding speech, even with hearing aids
For children and infants, cochlear implants may be suitable if:
- They have severe to profound hearing loss in both ears
- They have not demonstrated significant benefit from hearing aids, either in terms of auditory response or, if they are old enough, in speech and language development
Advantages of Cochlear Implants
One of the primary advantages of cochlear implants is that they improve your ability to understand speech, making it easier to communicate with loved ones and enhancing your quality of life. This means activities like socializing at local spots like local bars can be more enjoyable and accessible.
Additional benefits may include:
- Improved clarity in speech and pronunciation due to being able to hear your own voice more effectively
- The ability to detect important sounds like sirens or alarms, improving safety
- For infants and young children, cochlear implants offer the chance to meet developmental milestones on time, by addressing the challenges caused by progressive hearing loss.
If you have any questions or think that you or your child might be a candidate for cochlear implants, reach out to Sound Advice to schedule an evaluation today.
Your hearing aids serve as a crucial connection to the world around you. To ensure they continue functioning properly, it’s essential to understand what issues can arise and how to prevent permanent damage.