When hearing aids aren’t enough, 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!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Cochlear implants function by exciting the auditory nerve directly, avoiding the damaged parts of the inner ear, in contrast to hearing aids that simply amplify sound. This allows the brain to process and comprehend auditory information with greater clarity.
Cochlear implants consist of:
- A sound processor located outside the ear, and placed behind it
- An internal receiver and electrode array, inserted underneath the skin and inside of the cochlea during a surgical procedure
They work in unison to improve hearing for people who get minimal or no assistance from conventional hearing aids
primary guidelines for a cochlear implant
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Ideal candidates generally meet the following requirements:
- Significant hearing impairment in both ears
- Minimal results from hearing aids, particularly with comprehending speech
- Motivation and reasonable expectations about the results of implantation
- Commitment to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
recovery - Kids as young as 9 months old, with profound hearing loss in both ears
- Ages 2 and up, with severe to profound hearing loss, who receive limited benefit from hearing aids
- Kids with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to decline over time
- Have severe hearing loss in one or both ears
- Struggle to make out words and conversations, despite using advanced hearing devices
- Have a strong ambition to communicate and stay socially connected
- Committed to taking part 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 surgery
- Discussion of goals, expectations, and communication needs
Hearing hope for young people: implant technology for kids
Early implantation is key for kids, especially when it comes to speech and language development. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specific
conditions:
Early treatment helps ensure the best possible outcomes for language acquisition, scholastic success, and social development. Parents are encouraged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.
Cochlear Implants for Adults
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
Hearing loss can happen slowly or quickly in adults, either due to a slow advancement over time or as a result of illness, injury, or genetic variables. In both scenarios, cochlear implants have the potential to significantly improve one’s life.
Getting assessed for cochlear implants
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is identified through a thorough evaluation with a specialized hearing care team. This typically includes:
The team will team up to identify if a cochlear implant is the appropriate option and, if necessary, lead you through the subsequent stages.
Restoring sound, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants might not be suitable for everybody, but for the appropriate individual, they have the potential to significantly enhance communication skills, independence, and total well-being. The initial step, whether it is for yourself or your child, involves going through a customized assessment with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If your hearing aids are no longer giving adequate help, it may be helpful to think about 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/.
