Cochlear Implants
At Ears4U Hearing Services in Brentwood, TN, we provide comprehensive cochlear implant services for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who receive limited benefit from traditional hearing aids.
Your Cochlear Implant Journey
Candidacy Evaluation
We conduct thorough diagnostic testing to determine if you're a candidate for cochlear implantation, including hearing assessments, speech understanding tests, and evaluation of your hearing aid benefit to establish whether a cochlear implant may provide superior outcomes.
Surgical Coordination & Support
If you're a candidate, we coordinate with experienced cochlear implant surgeons and guide you through the pre-surgical process, answering questions and preparing you for what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Device Activation & Programming
After your surgery and healing period, we activate and program your cochlear implant processor, beginning the process of mapping your device to optimize sound quality and speech understanding for your individual needs.
Understanding Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are surgically implanted electronic devices that bypass damaged portions of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Unlike hearing aids that amplify sound, cochlear implants convert sound into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as meaningful sound.
This technology can provide access to sound for individuals whose hearing loss is too severe for hearing aids to be effective. The device consists of an external processor worn behind the ear and an internal implant placed under the skin during surgery.
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Severe to Profound Hearing Loss – Hearing loss in both ears that limits the effectiveness of even the most powerful hearing aids
Limited Speech Understanding – Difficulty understanding speech even with appropriately fitted hearing aids, particularly scoring below 50% on sentence recognition tests
Motivated for Rehabilitation – Willingness to participate in the activation, programming, and auditory training process required for optimal outcomes
Medical Suitability – Good overall health and realistic expectations about what cochlear implants can and cannot provide
Who May Benefit from Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants may be appropriate for individuals who meet specific criteria and are seeking improved hearing outcomes.
Comprehensive Support for Cochlear Implant Users
Cochlear implantation is not just a surgical procedure—it's a journey that requires ongoing audiological support for success. The initial activation of your cochlear implant occurs several weeks after surgery, once the surgical site has healed. During this appointment, we turn on the device for the first time and begin the mapping process, which involves programming the implant to deliver sound in a way your brain can understand.
The early weeks and months after activation involve regular programming appointments as your brain adapts to this new way of hearing. Sound through a cochlear implant is different from natural hearing or hearing aids, and it takes time for your auditory system to adjust. We work closely with you during this critical period, fine-tuning your device settings and providing guidance as you progress.
Our Brentwood office is equipped with the specialized equipment and software needed to program all major cochlear implant brands. Dr. Megan Blunt has extensive experience with cochlear implants from her clinical training at the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, where she provided comprehensive care to Veterans with these devices. This expertise ensures you receive knowledgeable, skilled programming and troubleshooting throughout your cochlear implant journey.
Many cochlear implant users continue to use a hearing aid in the opposite ear if they have residual hearing, a configuration known as bimodal hearing. We can coordinate care for both your cochlear implant and hearing aid to optimize your overall hearing experience. Whether you're exploring cochlear implantation for the first time or are an experienced user seeking local programming support, we're here to help.
Schedule Your Cochlear Implant Consultation
If you or a loved one has severe to profound hearing loss and struggles to understand speech even with hearing aids, a cochlear implant evaluation may be the next step. Contact our Brentwood office at 615-205-7942 to schedule a comprehensive assessment and learn whether cochlear implantation could improve your hearing outcomes and quality of life.
