Who's a Good Candidate for a Cochlear Implant?

Woman with cochlear implants sitting on the couch smiling at something on her phone

Cochlear implants can offer a whole new level of sound and communication when hearing aids are not enough. These tiny devices are implanted through surgery and are meant for individuals who have moderate to severe hearing loss and continue to have difficulty understanding speech in spite of using hearing aids. Who can potentially gain from a cochlear implant, and what criteria establish whether somebody is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s take a closer look!

What is a cochlear implant?

Cochlear implants work by exciting the auditory nerve directly, avoiding the damaged parts of the inner ear, unlike hearing aids that only amplify sound. This allows the brain to process and comprehend auditory information with better clarity.

Cochlear implants consist of:

A sound processor mounted outside the ear, and positioned behind it
An internal receiver and electrode array, inserted beneath the skin and inside of the cochlea during a surgical procedure

Together, they help recover access to sound for people who get little or no benefit from conventional hearing aids.

Basic candidacy standards

Both children and adults are approved by the FDA to utilize cochlear implants. Characteristics of Ideal Candidates:

Significant hearing impairment in both ears
Hearing aids are giving modest assistance, especially in increasing speech comprehension
Motivation and realistic expectations about the results of implantation
Adherence to ongoing care, including programming known as “mapping” and auditory therapy

Hearing hope for young minds: implant technology for kids

Timely placement of implants is crucial for children, especially regarding the development of their speech and language abilities. Cochlear Implants approved by the FDA for these specified

conditions:

Children as young as 9 months old, with profound hearing loss in both ears
Children aged 2 and older with substantial to extreme hearing loss, who do not experience substantial improvement with traditional hearing aids
Children with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to decline over time

Early intervention helps assure the best possible results for language acquisition, academic success, and social growth. Parents are urged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.

Adult cochlear implants

Adults of any age can benefit from cochlear implants if they:

Have severe hearing loss in one or both ears
Struggle to understand words and conversations, in spite of using advanced hearing aids
Possess a deep desire to express yourself and stay linked to others
Are willing to engage in ongoing hearing therapy and device programming

Hearing loss can occur slowly or quickly in adults, either because of a slow progression over time or as a result of sickness, injury, or genetic factors. Cochlear implants can be a life-altering solution in either instance.

The assessment process

Candidacy for a cochlear implant is identified through a thorough assessment with a specialized hearing care team. This usually includes:

A full hearing exam with and without hearing aids
Testing for speech recognition
A hearing aid trial run, if one hasn’t been completed recently
Using medical imaging like CT scans or MRIs to examine the structure of the inner ear
Consulting with an ear, nose, and throat doctor or a surgeon who specializes in cochlear implant procedures
Exploring goals, expected outcomes, and information exchange needs

The team will work together to evaluate whether a cochlear implant is the best option, and if so, assist you through the next steps.

Restoring hearing, reconnecting lives

Cochlear implants aren’t for everyone, but for the suitable candidate, they can significantly improve communication, independence, and quality of life. Whether you’re thinking about this option for yourself or your child, the first step is a personalized assessment with a qualified hearing care team.

If your hearing aids are no longer giving sufficient assistance, it might be beneficial to think about cochlear implants.

Sources:.
– https://www.healthline.com/health/cochlear-implant.
– https://www.med.unc.edu/ent/adultcochlearimplant/cochlear-implants/cochlear-implant-.
evaluation-process/.
– https://www.cochlear.com/us/en/professionals/products-and-.
candidacy/candidacy/cochlear-implant.
– https://www.childrensent.com/blog/who-qualifies-for-pediatric-cochlear-implants-a-.
comprehensive-guide/.