Cochlear implants are small, complex electronic medical devices that are implanted surgically to provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing in both ears. They bypass the damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, which sends signals to the brain.
Workings
The cochlear implant consists of an external portion that sits behind the ear and a second portion that is surgically placed under the skin. The external portion contains a microphone, speech processor, and transmitter coil. The internal portion contains a receiver coil, which receives signals from the external transmitter coil and stimulates electrodes that are positioned along the inside of the cochlea. The electrodes stimulate the auditory nerve, which allows the brain to recognize the stimulation patterns as sound.
Suitable Candidates
Candidates for cochlear implantation include:
- Adults and children who are profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing in both ears.
- Those who receive little to no benefit from hearing aids.
- Individuals with pre- or post-lingual hearing loss that occurred at any age.
- Those with certain types of nerve deafness.
- Babies and children as young as 12 months old.
The surgical and candidacy evaluation process ensures cochlear ear implants are only considered for individuals who are strong candidates and will most likely benefit from implantation.
Benefits of Cochlear Implantation
Cochlear ear implants can provide improved sound awareness and the ability to understand speech for many recipients. Some key benefits include:
- Improved sound awareness - The implants provide sensations that allow recipients to more easily localize sounds and hear warning signals. Cochlear Implants can improve safety awareness.
- Ability to recognize speech - With appropriate therapy and practice, many recipients gain the ability to understand speech in quiet environments and over the telephone. Understanding in other situations will vary depending on the individual.
- Enhanced quality of life - Improved hearing ability allows recipients to more fully participate in activities of daily living, communicate with friends and family, and gain access to auditory information in educational and work settings.
- Educational benefits for children - Early implantation has been shown to benefit children's language development, reading skills, and social and emotional growth. This helps set them up for greater academic and career success.
- Preservation of residual hearing - The surgery is aimed at activating the auditory nerve without completely destroying any remaining natural hearing capability. This residual hearing may provide additional benefits when combined with the cochlear ear implant signals.
The Cochlear Implantation Procedure
The cochlear ear implantation surgery is an intricate but now routine procedure performed by an experienced otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat surgeon). It involves the following steps:
- Placement of the internal implant - An incision is made behind the ear. A tiny hole is drilled into the skull to access the inner ear and scala tympani of the cochlea. An array of electrodes is inserted to stimulate the auditory nerve.
- Implanting the receiver - A cavity is created under the skin behind the ear to house the receiver and battery pack. They are connected to the electrode array within the cochlea.
- Programming and mapping - After healing, the external speech processor is programmed and mapped to the recipient's needs and hearing levels. Fine-tuning sessions help optimize sound processing and performance over time.
The procedure normally takes 2-3 hours for adults and slightly longer for children and medically complex cases. Most recipients experience few side effects beyond minor swelling and discomfort that is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. With rehabilitation, the success rates in terms of improved hearing from implants are very high.
Cochlear Implants and the Road to Success
While cochlear ear implants provide ground-breaking technology that gives the gift of hearing to the profoundly deaf, success with implants is a process, not an outcome. Commitment to regular rehabilitation therapies and exercises is important for developing listening and spoken language skills over time. Users report that the initial sounds are enjoyable but take significant practice and therapy before clear speech understanding is attained. Patience, determination and support from family members, teachers and clinicians help maximize each recipient's potential with their implants. By exercising the ear and brain to interpret new sensations, most implant recipients achieve life-changing communication abilities and access to the world of sound. With dedication, cochlear ear implants can restore hearing and empower lives.
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