Cochlear Implantation
Overview
How cochlear implants work
How cochlear implants work Open pop-up dialog box
A cochlear implant is an electronic device that partially restores hearing. It can be an option for people who have severe hearing loss from inner-ear damage who are no longer helped by using hearing aids.
Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, a cochlear implant bypasses damaged portions of the ear to deliver sound signals to the hearing (auditory) nerve.
Cochlear implants use a sound processor that fits behind the ear. The processor captures sound signals and sends them to a receiver implanted under the skin behind the ear. The receiver sends the signals to electrodes implanted in the snail-shaped inner ear (cochlea).
The signals stimulate the auditory nerve, which then directs them to the brain. The brain interprets those signals as sounds, though these sounds won’t be just like normal hearing.
It takes time and training to learn to interpret the signals received from a cochlear implant. Within a year of use, most people with cochlear implants make considerable gains in understanding speech.
External unit of cochlear implant and charger
One type of cochlear implant has an external unit that attaches to the side of your head and combines a speech processor, microphone and transmitter in one device. It can be charged when needed.
Behind-the-ear external unit of cochlear implant
In one type of cochlear implant, the external sound processor fits behind your ear and the transmitter attaches to the side of your head.
Cochlear implants can restore hearing in people with severe hearing loss who are no longer helped by using hearing aids. Cochlear implants can improve their communication and quality of life.
Cochlear implants may be placed in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). Cochlear implants in both ears have started to be used more often to treat bilateral severe hearing loss — particularly for infants and children who are learning to speak and process language.
Adults and children who are as young as six to 12 months old can benefit from cochlear implants. People who have cochlear implants report improved:
Ability to hear speech without needing visual cues such as reading lips
Recognition of normal, everyday environmental sounds
Ability to listen in a noisy environment
Ability to find where sounds are coming from
Ability to hear television programs, music and telephone conversations
To be eligible for a cochlear implant, you must have:
Hearing loss that is so severe it interrupts spoken communication
Limited benefit from hearing aids as determined by specialized hearing tests
No medical conditions or factors that increase the risks associated with cochlear implants
High motivation to participate in hearing rehabilitation and be part of the hearing world
Realistic expectations of what cochlear implants can and can’t do for hearing
What you can expect Before the procedure
You or your child will need a detailed medical evaluation to determine if cochlear implants are a good option. A doctor will conduct an evaluation that may include:
Ordering tests of hearing, speech and sometimes balance
Performing a physical examination to assess your inner ear’s health
Ordering MRI or CT imaging tests of the skull to assess the condition of the cochlea and inner ear structure
Ordering mental health (psychological) testing in select cases to determine your ability to learn to use cochlear implants
During the procedure
Your surgeon will make a cut (incision) behind your ear, and form a small hole in the portion of skull bone (mastoid) where the internal device rests.
Your surgeon will then create a small opening in the cochlea in order to thread the electrode of the internal device. The skin incision is stitched closed so that the internal device is under your skin.
After the procedure
You or your child might experience:
Pressure or discomfort over the implanted ear or ears
Dizziness or nausea
Most people feel well enough to return home the day of surgery or the next day.
An audiologist won’t turn on (activate) the cochlear implants for about two to six weeks after your surgery — to give the surgery site time to heal.
Activation
To activate the cochlear implant, an audiologist will:
Adjust the sound processor to fit you or your childCheck the components of the cochlear implant to make sure they workDetermine what sounds you or your child hearsGive you information on the proper care and use of the deviceSet the device so that you can hear to the best of your ability
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation involves training your brain to understand sounds heard through the cochlear implant. Speech and everyday environmental noises will sound different from what you remember.
Your brain needs time to recognize what these sounds mean. This process is ongoing and is best achieved by wearing the speech processor continuously during waking hours.
Results
Results of cochlear implant surgery vary from person to person. Factors that can affect the outcomes of cochlear implantation include the age when hearing was lost, and the length of time between hearing loss and the cochlear implant surgery.
For children, the best results generally occur with getting a cochlear implant at a young age.
For adults, the best results are generally associated with a shorter period of profound hearing loss before cochlear implantation. Adults with little or no experience with sound tend to benefit less from cochlear implants.
Some predicted outcomes may include:
Clearer hearing. Many people who meet the hearing criteria for cochlear implantation may eventually get clearer hearing with using the device.
Our Contact Details
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Our Branches in Kukatpally And Chanda Nagar
- Plot No. 455 & 456, Shop No.8, Padmaja Complex Beside Holy Marry Degree College, Hitech City Road, JNTU Road, Kukatpally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500072
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info@globalspeechandhea
ringclinic.com