By Dr. Mark Frilling, MD
Southwest Ohio ENT Specialists
A cochlear implant is a device that is able to give hearing back to patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. When appropriately fitted hearing aids are no longer providing significant benefits, particularly when speech understanding is very poor, a cochlear implant is considered.
A cochlear implant is placed during an outpatient surgery through an incision made behind the ear. An electrode is placed within the cochlea, the hearing organ, and is able to electrically send sound signal to the brain via the hearing nerve. The device is placed and later “activated” 2-3 weeks after surgery. An external magnet links to the processor underneath the skin, which turns the device on.
Hearing rehabilitation is essential following cochlear implantation. This takes place over the months and years after surgery as the brain learns to process this new electrical stimulus received from the cochlea. Your audiologist will work with you to fine-tune the device to get the best possible hearing outcomes. Those who wear the device more tend to get the best results.
Contrary to popular belief, for those who are a cochlear implant candidate, earlier implantation results in better outcomes. There is a strong link between untreated hearing loss and dementia, which cochlear implantation helps to combat as patients head into their later years in life. Don’t let hearing loss keep you from enjoying the things you love. If you are struggling to hear despite wearing hearing aids, call to schedule an appointment to see if cochlear implantation is right for you.
More information on cochlear implantation: Cochlear Americas | Hear Now And Always | Cochlear Implants