Cochlear implants can offer a whole new degree of sound and communication when hearing aids are not enough. These little, surgically implanted devices are designed for people with moderate to profound hearing loss who still strain to understand speech, even with hearing aids. Who can potentially benefit from a cochlear implant, and what criteria determine whether someone is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s take a closer look!
Cochlear implants – what are they?
Cochlear implants function by exciting the auditory nerve directly, avoiding the damaged parts of the inner ear, unlike hearing aids that simply amplify sound. This helps the brain to receive and interpret sound signals more clearly.
Cochlear implants consist of:
- A sound processor located outside the ear, and positioned behind it
- An internal receiver and electrode array, positioned underneath the skin and inside of the cochlea during a surgical procedure
Collectively, they help recover access to sound for individuals who get little or no help from conventional hearing aids.
General candidacy standards
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for both kids and adults. Attributes of Suitable Candidates:
- Substantial hearing impairment in both ears
- Limited results from hearing aids, particularly with comprehending speech
- Incentive and reasonable expectations about the outcomes of implantation
- Commitment to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
rehabilitation - Infants as young as 9 months old experiencing severe hearing impairment in both ears
- Children aged 2 and older with significant to extreme hearing impairment, who do not experience substantial improvement with conventional hearing aids
- Children with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to decline over time
- Experience significant impairment in one or both ears
- Struggle to make out words and conversations, despite using advanced hearing devices
- Have a strong desire to communicate and stay socially connected
- Dedicated to taking part in consistent auditory rehabilitation and device adjustments
- A full hearing test with and without hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- Trying out a hearing aid, if you haven’t already
- Using medical imaging like CT scans or MRIs to analyze the structure of the inner ear
- Consultation with an ENT professional or cochlear implant surgeon
- Examining objectives, expected outcomes, and information exchange requirements
Cochlear implants for kids
Timely placement of implants is crucial for children, especially regarding the development of their speech and language abilities. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specific
conditions:
Early intervention helps assure the best possible results for language acquisition, academic success, and social development. Parents are urged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.
Adult cochlear implants
Adults of any age can benefit from cochlear implants if they:
Some adults lose hearing gradually over time, while others may lose it abruptly as a result of illness, trauma, or genetic conditions. Cochlear implants can be a life-altering solution in either case.
Getting assessed for cochlear implants
Qualification for a cochlear implant is assessed through a comprehensive exam by a multidisciplinary team of hearing professionals. Typically, this evaluation involves:
The team will team up to determine if a cochlear implant is the appropriate option and, if needed, lead you through the subsequent stages.
Restoring sound, reconnecting lives
Cochlear implants might not be appropriate for everybody, but for the appropriate person, they have the potential to considerably improve communication skills, independence, and total well-being. The initial step, whether it is for yourself or your child, involves undergoing a personalized evaluation with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If your hearing aids are no longer providing sufficient assistance, it might be beneficial to consider cochlear implants.
Reach out to us to schedule a consultation and find out if you or your child is a candidate!
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/.