When hearing aids aren’t sufficient, cochlear implants can open a new world of sound and connection. These little devices are implanted through surgery and are intended for people who have moderate to severe hearing loss and continue to have trouble understanding speech despite 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!
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 parts of the inner ear. 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 within the cochlea
Collectively, they help restore access to sound for people who get little or no benefit from traditional hearing aids.
General candidacy standards
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both kids and adults. Attributes of Ideal Candidates:
- Significant hearing impairment in both ears
- Minimal results from hearing aids, particularly with comprehending speech
- Enthusiasm and reasonable anticipations concerning the outcomes of implants
- Adherence to ongoing care, such as programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy
- Children as young as 9 months old, with extensive hearing loss in both ears
- Youngsters aged 2 and above with substantial to severe hearing impairment, who do not experience substantial improvement with conventional hearing aids
- Children 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 powerful hearing aids
- Have a strong desire to communicate and stay socially connected
- Dedicated to participating in continuous auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
- A full hearing test with and without hearing aids
- Testing for speech recognition
- A hearing aid trial, if one hasn’t been carried out recently
- Using medical imaging like CT scans or MRIs to analyze the structure of the inner ear
- Meeting with an ear, nose, and throat expert or a surgeon who specializes in cochlear implant procedures
- Examining goals, expected outcomes, and information exchange needs
Hearing hope for young people: implant technology for kids
Timely placement of implants is crucial for kids, especially regarding the advancement of their speech and language capabilities. The FDA presently approves cochlear implants for:
Early treatment helps assure the best possible outcomes for language acquisition, scholastic success, and social growth. If parents think their children may have hearing loss, they are encouraged to take prompt action.
Adult cochlear implants
Adults of any age can benefit from cochlear implants if they:
Hearing loss can happen gradually or suddenly in adults, either due to a slow advancement over time or as a result of illness, injury, or genetic factors. Cochlear implants can be a life-changing solution in either instance.
Getting assessed for cochlear implants
Qualification for a cochlear implant is evaluated through a thorough exam by a multidisciplinary team of hearing professionals. Typically, this assessment involves:
The team will collaborate to assess whether a cochlear implant is the right solution, and if so, assist you through the next steps.
Restoring hearing, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants might not be appropriate for everyone, but for the appropriate individual, they have the potential to considerably enhance communication skills, independence, and overall well-being. The preliminary step, whether it is for yourself or your child, entails going through a personalized assessment with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If your hearing aids are no longer giving sufficient assistance, it might be helpful to consider 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/.
