Cochlear Implantation

consultation
What is Cochlear Implantation?

A cochlear implant is a small electronic medical device that can help provide a sense of sound to people who are profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sounds, cochlear implants bypass the damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. The brain then interprets these signals as sound, allowing the individual to hear.

How to diagnose Cochlear Implantation? When to consult a doctor?

The evaluation for cochlear implants involves several steps:

  • Hearing Tests (Audiometry): An audiologist will conduct a range of hearing tests to measure the degree of hearing loss.
  • Speech Perception Tests: These assess how well you understand speech with and without hearing aids.
  • Imaging Tests: MRI or CT scans may be used to evaluate the structure of the inner ear and the auditory nerve.
  • Hearing Aid Trial: Some candidates may need to use hearing aids for a period before proceeding with cochlear implants to ensure hearing aids are not effective.

You should consult a doctor if:

  • Hearing Aids Are No Longer Helping: If you’re wearing hearing aids but still struggle with daily communication.
  • Speech and Language Delays: For children with congenital hearing loss who are not developing speech and language skills appropriately.
  • Loss of Ability to Hear High-Pitched Sounds: This may indicate a need for evaluation for cochlear implants.
  • Sudden or Rapid Hearing Loss: In cases where hearing worsens unexpectedly, medical attention should be sought immediately.
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Causes
  • Congenital Hearing Loss
  • Aging (Presbycusis)
  • Noise Exposure
  • Infections
  • Ototoxic Medications
  • Trauma
  • Genetic Disorders
Symptoms
  • Difficulty Understanding Speech
  • Inability to Hear High-Pitched Sounds
  • Frequent Use of Lip Reading
  • Difficulty with Hearing Aids
Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery time can vary, but most patients are able to return to regular activities within a week. The device is typically activated 2-4 weeks post-surgery, allowing time for healing.

No, a cochlear implant does not restore normal hearing. Instead, it provides a useful representation of sounds, which can help with understanding speech and environmental sounds. Outcomes vary from person to person.

Yes, bilateral cochlear implants (one in each ear) are increasingly common, especially in children, to provide more natural sound localization and speech understanding in noisy environments.