Cochlear implants can offer a whole new degree of sound and communication when hearing aids are not enough. These tiny devices are implanted through surgery and are meant for individuals who have moderate to extreme hearing loss and continue to have trouble understanding speech despite 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 thoroughly!
What is a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants function by exciting the auditory nerve directly, avoiding the damaged sections of the inner ear, in contrast to hearing aids that only amplify sound. This helps the brain to receive and decipher sound signals more clearly.
Cochlear implants are composed of:
- A sound processor located outside the ear, and positioned behind it
- During a surgical procedure, an electrode array and internal receiver are placed underneath the skin and inside the cochlea
Together, they help recover access to sound for individuals who get little or no benefit from traditional hearing aids.
key requirements for a cochlear implant
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both kids and adults. Attributes of Suitable Candidates:
- Substantial hearing impairment in both ears
- Minimal results from hearing aids, particularly with understanding speech
- Motivation and reasonable expectations about the results 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
- Ages 2 and up, with extreme to profound hearing loss, who get limited help from hearing aids
- Kids with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to diminish over time
- Have extreme hearing loss in one or both ears
- Experience difficulty understanding speech, even with powerful hearing aids
- Possess a deep need to express yourself and stay connected to others
- Dedicated to taking part in continuous auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
- A full hearing test with and without hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- A hearing aid trial run, if one hasn’t been completed recently
- Medical imaging (such as CT or MRI) to assess inner ear anatomy
- Consultation with an ENT professional or cochlear implant surgeon
- Exploring objectives, expected outcomes, and information exchange needs
Cochlear implants for children
Early implantation is important for children, particularly when it comes to speech and language development. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specified
conditions:
Early treatment helps ensure the best possible outcomes for language acquisition, scholastic success, and social development. Parents are encouraged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.
Cochlear Implants for Adults
Adults of any age can take advantage of cochlear implants if they:
Some people lose hearing slowly over time, while others might lose it abruptly as a result of illness, trauma, or hereditary conditions. In both situations, cochlear implants have the potential to significantly improve one’s life.
The assessment process
Qualification for a cochlear implant is evaluated through a thorough exam by a multidisciplinary team of hearing professionals. Usually, this evaluation involves:
The team will collaborate to assess whether a cochlear implant is the best option, and if so, assist you through the next steps.
Restoring sound, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants aren’t for everybody, but for the right candidate, they can significantly enhance communication, self-reliance, and quality of life. The initial step, whether it is for yourself or your child, involves undergoing a personalized evaluation with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If hearing aids aren’t helping as much as they used to, it may be time to explore 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/.