Who Are Cochlear Implants For?
Individuals with very significant hearing loss who have used traditional hearing aids with limited benefit may be candidates for a cochlear implant. A cochlear implant bypasses the individual’s damaged hearing portion of the inner ear to stimulate the auditory nerve directly, offering improved hearing and communication.
What Is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant is made of two parts. 1) a surgically implanted device to stimulate the auditory nerve directly and 2) a sound processor worn on or off the ear. The sound processor contains a microphone to pick up sounds; it then transmits the information to the internal portion to stimulate the auditory nerve fibers. The auditory nerve sends the signal to the brain, which understands it as sound.
What Is the Surgery Like?
Surgery lasts approximately 1-2 hours is done on an out-patient basis.
How Do I Know if I’m a Candidate?
If you or a loved one has worn hearing aids with limited benefit for moderately severe to profound hearing loss, consider scheduling a cochlear implant candidacy evaluation appointment with our audiologist. The evaluation involves assessing your hearing as well as how you function with hearing aids.
