When hearing aids aren’t enough, cochlear implants can unlock a new world of sound and connection. These little devices are implanted through surgery and are intended for individuals who have moderate to extreme hearing loss and continue to have difficulty comprehending speech despite using hearing aids. Who can potentially benefit from a cochlear implant, and what criteria determine whether somebody is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s have a closer look!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Cochlear implants work by stimulating the auditory nerve directly, averting the damaged sections of the inner ear, unlike hearing aids that only amplify sound. This helps the brain to receive and decipher sound signals more clearly.
Cochlear implants consist of:
- An external sound processor, which is placed behind the ear
- During a surgical procedure, an electrode array and internal receiver are placed beneath the skin and inside the cochlea
Together, they help recover access to sound for individuals who get little or no help from traditional hearing aids.
Basic candidacy standards
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Suitable candidates typically meet the following criteria:
- Significant hearing impairment in both ears
- Hearing aids are giving mediocere help, particularly in increasing speech comprehension
- Motivation and realistic expectations about the results of implantation
- Dedication to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
recovery - Infants as young as 9 months old experiencing extreme hearing loss in both ears
- Children aged 2 and above with substantial to severe hearing impairment, who do not experience major improvement with conventional hearing aids
- Children with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to diminish over time
- Have extreme hearing loss in one or both ears
- Struggle to make out words and conversations, despite using advanced hearing devices
- Have a strong ambition to communicate and remain socially connected
- Are willing to engage in ongoing hearing therapy and device programming
- A comprehensive hearing examination using and not using hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- Trying out a hearing aid, if you haven’t already
- Medical imaging (such as CT or MRI) to assess inner ear anatomy
- Consultation with an ENT professional or cochlear implant surgeon
- Exploring goals, anticipated outcomes, and information exchange requirements
Cochlear implants for kids
Timely placement of implants is crucial for kids, particularly regarding the advancement of their speech and language capabilities. The FDA currently approves cochlear implants for:
Early treatment helps assure the best possible results for language acquisition, scholastic success, and social growth. Parents are encouraged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.
Adult cochlear implants
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
Hearing loss can occur gradually or quickly 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-altering option in either instance.
Getting evaluated for cochlear implants
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is determined through a comprehensive evaluation with a specialized hearing care team. This usually includes:
The team will collaborate to assess whether a cochlear implant is the best solution, and if so, assist you through the next steps.
Bringing back sound to improve life connections
Cochlear implants might not be suitable for everyone, but for the appropriate person, they have the potential to significantly enhance communication skills, independence, and total well-being. The initial step, whether it is for yourself or your child, involves going through a customized evaluation with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If your hearing aids are no longer giving adequate help, it may be beneficial to think about 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/.