When hearing aids aren’t enough, cochlear implants can open a new world of sound and connection. These little devices are implanted through surgery and are meant for people who have moderate to severe hearing impairment and continue to have trouble understanding speech in spite of using hearing aids. Who can potentially gain from a cochlear implant, and what criteria determine whether someone 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
activating 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:
- 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 in unison to enhance hearing for people who get minimal or no help from traditional hearing aids
General candidacy standards
Both kids and adults are approved by the FDA to utilize cochlear implants. Suitable candidates generally meet the following requirements:
- Substantial hearing impairment in both ears
- Minimal benefit from hearing aids, especially with understanding speech
- Enthusiasm and practical anticipations concerning the results of implants
- Dedication to continuing care, such as programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy
- Children as young as 9 months old, with extensive hearing loss in both ears
- Children aged 2 and older with significant to severe hearing impairment, who do not experience substantial improvement with conventional hearing aids
- Kids with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to diminish over time
- Experience extreme impairment in one or both ears
- Experience difficulty understanding speech, even with powerful hearing aids
- Have a strong ambition to communicate and remain socially connected
- Dedicated to taking part in consistent auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
- A comprehensive hearing examination using and not using hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- Trying out a hearing aid, if you haven’t already
- Using medical imaging like CT scans or MRIs to analyze the structure of the inner ear
- Consultation with an ENT specialist or cochlear implant surgeon
- Exploring objectives, 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 ensure the best possible results for language acquisition, scholastic success, and social growth. Parents are urged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.
Adult cochlear implants
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
Hearing loss can occur slowly or quickly in adults, either because of a slow progression over time or as a result of sickness, injury, or genetic variables. In both situations, cochlear implants have the potential to substantially improve one’s life.
The evaluation process
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is determined through a comprehensive assessment with a specialized hearing care team. This usually includes:
The team will collaborate to assess whether a cochlear implant is the best option, and if so, guide you through the next steps.
Restoring sound, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants aren’t for everyone, but for the suitable candidate, they can significantly improve communication, independence, and quality of life. The preliminary step, whether it is for yourself or your child, involves going through a personalized assessment with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If your hearing aids are no longer giving sufficient assistance, it could be beneficial to consider cochlear implants.
Contact 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/.