Cochlear implants
A cochlear implant may be a suitable solution for severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears.
Page contents
- Information about when cochlear implants may be indicated
- How cochlear implants work
- The results to expect
Cochlear implants are medical devices which bypass the damaged part of the ear and stimulate the hearing nerve.
When may cochlear implants be indicated ?
Cochlear implants may be indicated for adults who:
- Have severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears,
- Whose hearing aids are not enough,
- Obtaining results of 50% or less on bi syllabic recognition tests carried out by a hearing professional,
Cochlear implant may also be recommended for children with severe to profound hearing loss in both ear who getting only limited benefits from hearing aids.
Healthcare professionals are the only one able to determine if a cochlear implant is the best solution after several tests.
How do cochlear implants work?
A cochlear implant system has two parts:
- An external part: a processor which picks up the sounds and digitizes them to transmit them to the internal part
- An internal part: an implant positioned under the skin whose electrode bundle electrically stimulated the cochlea
What results to except?
The benefits of cochlear implants differ from person to person. These differences are often conditioned by the following factors:
- Duration of hearing loss before receiving a cochlear implant,
- Level of hearing loss,
- State of the cochlear (inner ear),
- Other medical conditions present,
- Daily wearing time of the cochlear implant system,
More information
Disclaimer
Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.
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