When hearing aids aren’t enough, cochlear implants can unlock a new world of sound and connection. These little devices are implanted through surgery and are meant for individuals 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 parts of the inner ear. This enables the brain to process and understand auditory information with greater clarity.
Cochlear implants are composed of:
- A sound processor located outside the ear, and positioned behind it
- During a surgical procedure, an electrode array and internal receiver are placed beneath the skin and inside the cochlea
Collectively, they help recover access to sound for people who get little or no benefit from traditional hearing aids.
General candidacy guidelines
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both children and adults. Attributes of Ideal Candidates:
- Moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears
- Limited benefit from hearing aids, especially with comprehending speech
- Enthusiasm and practical anticipations regarding the outcomes of implants
- Dedication to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory recovery
- Infants as young as 9 months old experiencing severe hearing impairment in both ears
- Ages 2 and up, with extreme to profound hearing loss, who get limited help from hearing aids
- Kids with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to diminish over time
- Have extreme hearing loss in one or both ears
- Experience trouble understanding speech, even with high quality hearing aids
- Possess a deep desire to express yourself and stay connected to others
- Are willing to engage in ongoing hearing therapy and device programming
- A full hearing test with and without hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- A hearing aid trial run, if one hasn’t been completed recently
- Medical imaging (such as CT or MRI) to assess inner ear anatomy
- Meeting with an ear, nose, and throat doctor or a surgeon who specializes in cochlear implant surgery
- Exploring objectives, anticipated outcomes, and information exchange needs
