When hearing aids aren’t enough, cochlear implants can unlock a new world of sound and connection. These little, surgically implanted devices are made for individuals with moderate to extreme hearing loss who still strain to understand speech, even with 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 examine it more carefully!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Cochlear implants work by exciting the auditory nerve directly, averting the damaged parts of the inner ear, unlike hearing aids that only amplify sound. This helps the brain to receive and decipher sound signals more clearly.
Components of cochlear implants:
- An external sound processor, which is positioned behind the ear
- During a surgical procedure, an electrode array and internal receiver are placed beneath the skin and within the cochlea
They work together to enhance hearing for people who get minimal or no help from traditional hearing aids
Basic candidacy guidelines
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both kids and adults. Ideal candidates generally meet the following requirements:
- Significant hearing impairment in both ears
- Hearing aids are providing modest help, especially in improving speech comprehension
- Enthusiasm and reasonable anticipations regarding the results of implants
- Dedication to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory rehabilitation
- Children as young as 9 months old, with profound hearing loss in both ears
- Children aged 2 and above with substantial to extreme hearing impairment, who do not experience major improvement with traditional 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 desire to express yourself and remain connected to others
- Dedicated to participating 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 carried out recently
- Medical imaging (such as CT or MRI) to assess inner ear anatomy
- Meeting with an ear, nose, and throat expert or a surgeon who specializes in cochlear implant surgery
- Discussion of goals, expectations, and communication rerquirments