At South County Hearing Services, we offer cochlear implant evaluations, cochlear implant programming, troubleshooting, and diagnostic services of CI equipment for adult patients with Cochlear Corporation devices.
We have partnered with two area physicians to provide a Cochlear Implant Program for adults. Our adult program can accommodate patients 18 years of age and older who are likely to benefit from implantable technology.
It is crucial to have a thorough evaluation and discussion with a specialist to determine if a cochlear implant is the right choice for you.
Overall, cochlear implants have the potential to dramatically improve the quality of life of people with severe to profound hearing loss.
What is a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants (CI) are a certain type of medical device designed to help individuals with severe to profound hearing loss by electrically stimulating the auditory nerve.
CIs can greatly improve a person’s ability to hear, understand speech, and generally communicate with others. However, unlike hearing aids that can not be fitted and programmed without any invasive procedure, cochlear implants require a surgical procedure and a period of rehabilitation.
Do cochlear implants work like hearing aids?
No. While hearing aids work primarily by amplifying sound, cochlear implants bypass the damaged parts of the ear by directly stimulating the auditory nerve.
Parts of a cochlear implant
A cochlear implant consists of two main parts:
- An external speech processor
- An internal implant
The internal implant is surgically placed under the skin and attached to an electrode array that is placed in the inner ear. It contains electrodes that are responsible for stimulating the auditory nerve. The speech processor is connected to the implant through a wire and a magnet. These two parts work together to bypass the section of the ear that isn’t working, by sending sound straight to the hearing nerve.
How does a cochlear implant work?
The external part of the cochlear implant has a microphone that picks up sound and sends it to a speech processor. The speech processor is responsible for changing the sound into electrical signals that are transmitted to the internal component of the implant through a magnetic connection.
Who gets cochlear implants?
Cochlear implants may be recommended for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who do not receive the benefit of traditional hearing aids.
The specific criteria for a cochlear implant candidate will vary depending on the person’s age, type and cause of hearing loss, and other factors.
It’s worth noting that cochlear implants are not a cure for hearing loss and do not restore normal hearing. However, cochlear implants can greatly improve a person’s ability to hear and communicate.
South County Hearing Services offers cochlear implant evaluations and management for adult patients in Narragansett, RI.
How does someone receive a cochlear implant?
Not everyone is a good candidate for a cochlear implant. A comprehensive evaluation must be performed to determine candidacy.
Below is an overview of the process for cochlear implant evaluations:
- Conduct a hearing test to measure the extent of hearing loss
- Assess overall health and determine any possible contraindications for surgery
- Conduct a speech and language assessment to evaluate communication skills
If a patient is deemed a good candidate for a cochlear implant, the next step would be the surgical procedure. The cochlear implantation is done under general anesthesia and usually takes around 1-2 hours.
After the surgery, the patient will need to attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress. Rehabilitation sessions will also be put in place for the patient to learn and maximize how to use the cochlear implant effectively.
The process of receiving a cochlear implant may take several months from the initial evaluation to full activation of the device.
Is getting a cochlear implant safe?
Getting a cochlear implant is generally considered safe, but like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks and potential complications. However, these risks are generally rare, and most people experience a successful outcome.
Learning to Interpret Sounds
Adjusting to sounds with a cochlear implant can be a challenging process because your ear is being stimulated electrically and your brain has to relearn how to hear.
While persons using a hearing aid are able to understand speech right away, it can take several weeks or even months for a person to adjust to the sounds from a cochlear implant. At first sounds may be perceived as static, buzzes, beeps etc. Generally speaking most cochlear implant patients notice a gradual improvement in speech understanding over time.
The adjustment or rehabilitation process of using cochlear implants involves learning to associate sounds with meaning and improving overall listening and communication abilities.
With time and dedication, most individuals with cochlear implants are able to adjust to the sounds they are hearing and significantly improve their ability to communicate and enjoy life.
Cochlear Implant Services Provided By South County Hearing Services in Narragansett, RI
Overall, cochlear implants have the potential to dramatically improve the quality of life of people with severe to profound hearing loss.
It is crucial to have a thorough evaluation and discussion with a specialist to determine if a cochlear implant is the right choice for you.
At South County Hearing Services, we offer cochlear implant evaluations, cochlear implant programming, troubleshooting, and diagnostic services of CI equipment for adult patients with Cochlear Corporation devices.
We have partnered with two area physicians to provide a Cochlear Implant Program for adults. Our adult program can accommodate patients 18 years of age and older who are likely to benefit from implantable technology.
Call us today to know more about our cochlear implant services!
