The cochlear implant is a unique device that helps individuals with severe to profound hearing loss on both sides hear once again.
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How the Device Works
Using electrical signals, cochlear implants stimulate the inner ear directly. This system does not use the ear canal and middle ear structures. Because of their ability to stimulate the hearing nerves directly, cochlear implants often work even when hearing aids do not.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Many different factors can cause hearing loss. A conduction problem occurs if the sound pathway in the ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear is disrupted. These conditions are usually correctable with office procedures or surgery. Hearing aids can be used in these cases as well.
A sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the inner ear or hearing nerve is damaged or becomes dysfunctional. Among many other causes, common reasons of this type of hearing loss include:
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Hearing loss due to trauma or inherited disorders
These types of hearing loss cannot be corrected surgically, but hearing aids are a good option in many cases. There are some patients with hearing loss so severe on both sides that hearing aids are not helpful. These patients can potentially be helped with the cochlear implant.
Who Can Benefit from the Cochlear Implant?
Adults and Teenagers
The candidacy for cochlear implantation is based on the lack of benefit from hearing aids and other specific hearing criteria measured with special hearing tests.
A CT or MRI is obtained to check for any anatomical problems that may prohibit implantation. The patient will need to be medically fit to undergo a 1.5-hour outpatient surgery.
Children
The youngest age currently approved for cochlear implantation is one year old. Children can either be born with severe to profound hearing loss or may develop the condition over time. The hearing loss must be diagnosed as soon as possible so that proper treatment can begin. Good hearing function from an early age is critical to a child’s language development. Children with hearing loss that cannot be corrected otherwise can be fitted with hearing aids. Cochlear implantation can be considered for children who do not develop their speaking and listening abilities on time.
Benefits of Cochlear Implant
Cochlear implants allow users to hear “better” over time with continued use of the implant. A year after the initial implantation, the hearing function is usually much better than it was before. The procedure is also short and requires minimal downtime.
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Who Is a Candidate?
To determine if you’re a candidate for cochlear implants, you’ll need to undergo a full ear, nose, and throat evaluation in addition to audiogram and imaging such as an MRI or a CT. Based on the medical evaluation, the treatment options for your hearing loss will be presented. Those who are possible candidates for cochlear implants will also need to have another special hearing test done to see if they are candidates for the procedure.
Adults and Teenagers
Patients who lost their hearing after language acquisition can typically be helped with the cochlear implant at any age, but the hearing function with the cochlear implant is better if the surgery is performed early after the hearing loss occurs.
Patients who lost their hearing before language acquisition and primarily use sign language usually do not benefit greatly from cochlear implantation.
Children
As in adults, children who lost their hearing after language acquisition typically do very well with cochlear implantation. Children born with no significant hearing or who lost their hearing at an earlier age can still achieve a very good hearing and language result if the cochlear implantation is performed soon after the hearing loss occurs. Ideally, children who are born with little to no hearing are evaluated, diagnosed, and treated with hearing aids during the first year of life, and those who are candidates for the cochlear implant will be considered for the implantation at, or soon after, the age of 12 months.
Cochlear Implants FAQ's
How does the device work?
The cochlear implant system contains a computer that processes sound waves into electrical signals. There is an external part of the device that is worn behind the ear that contains this computer. The device needs to be programmed and customized for the patient for optimal results.
When does programming occur?
The first programming session typically occurs four weeks after surgery and is called the initial “hook-up”. After this session, the patient will start to use the device for hearing. There will be several programming sessions (over the first few months of implant use) to adjust the implant programming. This will ensure optimal results.
