When hearing aids aren’t enough, cochlear implants can open a new world of sound and connection. These little, surgically implanted devices are designed for individuals with moderate to profound hearing loss who still strain to comprehend 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 carefully!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Different from hearing aids, which merely amplify sound, cochlear implants work by directly
activating the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged areas of the inner ear. This helps the brain to receive and interpret sound signals more clearly.
Components of cochlear implants:
- A sound processor located outside the ear, and positioned behind it
- An internal receiver and electrode array, positioned beneath the skin and inside of the cochlea during a surgical procedure
Collectively, they help restore access to sound for individuals who get little or no help from conventional hearing aids.
Basic candidacy guidelines
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Ideal candidates typically meet the following requirements:
- Significant hearing impairment in both ears
- Hearing aids are giving modest assistance, particularly in improving speech comprehension
- Incentive and reasonable expectations about the results of implantation
- Adherence to continuing care, such as programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy
- Kids as young as 9 months old, with profound hearing loss in both ears
- Children aged 2 and older with substantial to severe hearing loss, who do not experience substantial improvement with conventional hearing aids
- Children with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to decline over time
- Experience significant impairment in one or both ears
- Struggle to make out words and conversations, in spite of using advanced hearing devices
- Have a strong desire to communicate and remain socially connected
- Are willing to participate in ongoing hearing therapy and device programming
- A full hearing exam with and without hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- A hearing aid trial, if one hasn’t been carried out recently
- Medical imaging (such as CT or MRI) to assess inner ear anatomy
- Consulting with an ear, nose, and throat expert or a surgeon who specializes in cochlear implant procedures
- Conversation about goals, expectations, and communication rerquirments
Hearing hope for young people: implant technology for children
Early implantation is important for children, particularly when it comes to speech and language progression. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specific
conditions:
Early treatment helps ensure the best possible outcomes for language acquisition, academic success, and social growth. If parents suspect hearing loss, they are advised to take prompt action.
Adult cochlear implants
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
Some people lose hearing slowly over time, while others may lose it abruptly due to illness, trauma, or hereditary conditions. Cochlear implants can be a life-altering solution in either instance.
The evaluation process
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is identified through a comprehensive assessment with a specialized hearing care team. This typically includes:
The team will collaborate to determine if a cochlear implant is the appropriate choice and, if needed, lead you through the next stages.
Bringing back sound to enhance life connections
Cochlear implants might not be appropriate for everyone, but for the appropriate individual, they have the potential to significantly improve communication skills, independence, and total well-being. The preliminary step, whether it is for yourself or your child, involves undergoing a personalized assessment 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.
Reach out to us to schedule a consultation and find out if you or your child is a candidate!
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/.
