A cochlear implant is a special hearing device that helps people with severe hearing loss. Unlike hearing aids, which make sounds louder, a cochlear implant sends sound signals directly to the hearing nerve. This helps people understand speech and other sounds better. The device is placed inside the inner ear during a small surgery and works by bypassing the damaged parts of the ear.
Cochlear implants are often used by adults and children who cannot hear well even with strong hearing aids. They help improve speech perception, understanding speech, and daily communication. While they do not restore normal hearing, they allow people to hear sounds, talk on the phone, and even enjoy music. An audiologist can determine if someone is a good candidate for this type of hearing device.
Auglaize and Sidney Audiology can counsel you regarding if you would be a cochlear implant candidate and connect you to experts in the area that can help you in this journey.
Parts of a Cochlear Implant
A cochlear implant has two main parts: an internal part and an external part. The internal part includes a small device placed under the skin behind the outer ear and a tiny wire with electrodes that connect to the cochlear nerve inside the inner ear. The external part includes a sound processor that sits behind the ear and a microphone that picks up sound.
The sound processor turns sound into signals, which are sent to the implant. The implant then stimulates the auditory nerve, helping the brain recognize sound. This process allows people to hear voices, alarms, and other important sounds in their environment.
How Does a Cochlear Implant Work?
A cochlear implant works by sending sound signals directly to the hearing nerve. When sound enters the microphone of the sound processor, it is turned into an electrical signal. The signal is then sent to the internal implant, which sends tiny pulses to the cochlear nerve. The auditory nerve carries these signals to the brain, which interprets them as sound.
Unlike a hearing aid, which makes sounds louder, a cochlear implant bypasses the damaged parts of the inner ear. This allows people with severe hearing loss to understand speech better. It can take time for the brain to adjust to the signals from a cochlear implant, and speech therapy may help improve speech perception.
Who Gets Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implants are usually for people with severe to profound hearing loss. This means they cannot hear well even with the most powerful hearing aids. Many adults who have lost their sense of hearing later in life may benefit from an implant. Children born with hearing loss can also get a cochlear implant to help them learn speech and language.
An audiologist will check if a person is a good candidate. They look at factors such as how much hearing loss a person has, how well they understand speech with hearing aids, and their overall health. Doctors also consider if the cochlear nerve is working properly and if the person is willing to go through the learning process after surgery.
How Does Someone Receive a Cochlear Implant?
The process starts with a hearing test and an evaluation by a hearing implant specialist. If the person qualifies, they will have surgery to place the implant. The procedure usually takes about two hours and is done under anesthesia. After surgery, there is a recovery period before the implant is turned on.
Once the implant is activated, the person will work with a specialist to learn how to understand speech with the implant. Speech therapy may be needed to help the brain recognize sounds. This process takes time, but many people improve their speech perception and understanding speech with practice.
Is Getting a Cochlear Implant Safe?
Cochlear implant surgery is generally safe, but like any surgery, there are some risks. These may include infection, dizziness, and changes in taste. In rare cases, the implant may not work properly, and another surgery may be needed.
After surgery, there is an adjustment period where the brain learns to recognize sounds from the implant. Some people may find it strange at first, but with time and practice, they usually adapt.
What Happens During Cochlear Implant Surgery?
Cochlear implant surgery is done by a hearing implant specialist. The person is given anesthesia to stay asleep during the procedure. The surgeon makes a small cut behind the ear and places the implant inside the inner ear. The electrodes are carefully positioned to connect with the cochlear nerve.
The outer ear is not changed, and the surgery usually takes one to two hours. Most people go home the same day. The implant is not turned on immediately after surgery. The person must wait a few weeks for healing before the sound processor is activated.
What Happens After Cochlear Implant Surgery?
After surgery, there may be some swelling or soreness, but most people recover quickly. A few weeks later, the hearing implant specialist will turn on the cochlear implant and adjust the settings. This is called activation day. At first, the sounds may seem different from normal hearing, but the brain learns to recognize them over time.
Speech therapy can help people learn to understand speech and improve speech perception. The more a person practices, the better they can understand sounds and voices.
Learning to Interpret Sounds
Hearing with a cochlear implant is different from hearing with hearing aids. Hearing aids make sounds louder, while a cochlear implant sends signals directly to the auditory nerve. Because of this, it takes time for the brain to adjust.
At first, speech may sound robotic or unclear, but with practice, it improves. Some people use sign language along with their implant as they adjust. The more a person listens and practices, the better their sense of hearing becomes.
See An Audiologist in Ohio Today!
Cochlear implants help people with severe hearing loss hear sounds, understand speech, and improve their quality of life.
If you or a loved one are struggling with hearing loss, an audiologist can help you decide if a cochlear implant is right for you.
Contact Auglaize Audiology today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better hearing!
