When hearing aids aren’t sufficient, cochlear implants can unlock a new world of sound and connection. These little, surgically implanted devices are designed for individuals with moderate to extreme hearing loss who still strain to comprehend speech, even with hearing aids. Who can potentially gain from a cochlear implant, and what criteria establish whether somebody is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s examine it more thoroughly!
What is a cochlear implant?
Different from hearing aids, which merely amplify sound, cochlear implants work by directly
stimulating the auditory nerve, sidestepping the damaged areas of the inner ear. This helps the brain to receive and decipher sound signals more clearly.
Components of cochlear implants:
- A sound processor mounted outside the ear, and positioned behind it
- An internal receiver and electrode array, inserted beneath the skin and inside the cochlea during a surgical procedure
Collectively, they help restore access to sound for individuals who get little or no benefit from traditional hearing aids.
General candidacy standards
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Attributes of Suitable Candidates:
- Substantial hearing impairment in both ears
- Hearing aids are providing mediocere assistance, especially in improving speech comprehension
- Motivation and realistic expectations about the outcomes of implantation
- Dedication to continuing care, including programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy
- Children as young as 9 months old, with profound hearing loss in both ears
- Children aged 2 and above with significant to extreme hearing impairment, who do not experience substantial improvement with conventional hearing aids
- Kids with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to diminish over time
- Have severe hearing loss in one or both ears
- Experience trouble understanding speech, even with high quality hearing aids
- Have a strong ambition to communicate and remain socially connected
- Dedicated to taking part in continuous auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
- A full hearing exam with and without hearing aids
- Testing for speech recognition
- Trying out a hearing aid, if you haven’t already
- 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
- Exploring goals, expected outcomes, and information exchange needs
Cochlear implants for kids
Timely placement of implants is crucial for children, especially in regard to the development of their speech and language capabilities. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specific
conditions:
Early intervention helps assure the best possible outcomes for language acquisition, academic success, and social development. Parents are encouraged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.
Cochlear Implants for Adults
Adults of any age can benefit from cochlear implants if they:
Hearing loss can occur gradually or suddenly in adults, either due to a slow advancement over time or as a result of sickness, injury, or genetic variables. Cochlear implants can be a life-changing option in either instance.
The assessment process
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is identified through a comprehensive assessment with a specialized hearing care team. This usually includes:
The team will team up to determine if a cochlear implant is the appropriate option and, if necessary, lead you through the subsequent stages.
Bringing back sound to enhance life connections
Cochlear implants aren’t for everybody, but for the right candidate, they can dramatically improve communication, self-reliance, and quality of life. The preliminary step, whether it is for yourself or your child, involves undergoing a customized 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 look into cochlear implants.
Reach out to us to schedule a consultation and discover 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/.
