Technology is advancing at a fast pace, especially in the area of medical science. If you had hearing loss even two decades ago, you would have to carry a bulky transistor like device attached to your ear with a wire. However, with the passage of time hearing aids have become very small to completely invisible in the canal. Apart from on the ear aids hearing technology also introduced implantable devices called cochlear implant. The cochlear implant is named after the cochlea which is a part of inner ear where the implant placed during the surgery to help people hear. So let us look at what is a cochlear implant and its benefits.
What Is a Cochlear Implant?
When considering a cochlear implant, it is important to understand how it works. The implant consists of two part, internal and external. The external device which is on or off the ear collects and digitizes the sound and send it to the internal device through magnet which then delivers the signal to the auditory nerve and the brain finally gets the stimulation. Although the cochlear implant surgery is a delicate procedure it is generally safe and rarely causes complications.
The current day implants have an internal cochlear implant and an external component that is kept outside the ear. Although these implants work well in most cases and are almost invisible, the researchers are still looking for a way to make them completely internal and completely invisible. It is important to understand how the cochlear implants parts work before you opt for the surgery. Hence you should have an in-depth discussion with the specialist regarding this and also inquire about the cochlear implant cost.
Who Needs a Cochlear Implant?
People with severe hearing loss and even deafness can be treated with the help of a cochlear implant machine. There is no age bar for this surgery and anyone including infants and senior citizens with a severe hearing loss can opt for this surgery. This method is useful when hearing aids do not work and it can improve the quality of life for the individual as he or she will be able to listen and talk. Child cochlear implant is usually have early recovery and acceptance because their bodies have better recuperating power compared to adults.
How The Surgery Is Done
This procedure is done with the application of general anesthesia. We ensure that the individual is completely comfortable and ensure that they take proper counseling from our professional counselors. An audiologist and ENT specialist perform this surgery and its success depends a lot on the post-surgery care.
The surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear and the internal device is placed in the part of the skull bone called the mastoid. Then they will make a small opening in the cochlea so that the internal device can be threaded in. then the skin is stitched covering the inner hearing aid.
How The Surgery Is Done
This procedure is done with the application of general anesthesia. We ensure that the individual is completely comfortable and ensure that they take proper counseling from our professional counselors. An audiologist and ENT specialist perform this surgery and its success depends a lot on the post-surgery care.
The surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear and the internal device is placed in the part of the skull bone called the mastoid. Then they will make a small opening in the cochlea so that the internal device can be threaded in. then the skin is stitched covering the internal device.
Post-Surgery Care
The post op care is simple but very essential, as poor care can result in infection that might damage any remaining hearing. You should also make sure that you have someone to drive you home after the surgery because general anaesthesia is used. We ensure that the individual is completely in their senses before sending them home on the same day, and if required we have option for you to stay in the Softone cochlear implant clinic.
Success Rate
The success rate of cochlear implant surgery is quite good and especially so in people who could hear and speak before the hearing loss. Infants who have no yet started talking also benefit a great deal. In the rare case that surgery fails is due to lack of care after the implant. However, the cochlear implant cost in India deters some people from getting the surgery done. To overcome this shortcoming, we at Softone offer cochlear implants at a very competitive price compared to what you can get in the market.
Success Rate
The success rate of cochlear implant surgery is quite good and especially in people who could hear and speak before the hearing loss. Infants born with hearing loss, also benefit a great deal. In the rare case that surgery fails is due to lack of care after the implant. However, the cochlear implant cost in India deters some people from getting the surgery done. To overcome this shortcoming, we at Softone offer cochlear implants at a very competitive price compared to what you can get in the market.
Cochlear implant vs. hearing aid
Hearing aids and cochlear implants both help people with hearing loss, but they work in very different ways. Hearing aids amplify sound and are ideal for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. They sit in or behind the ear and help the ear function better by making sounds louder.
Cochlear implants, on the other hand, are surgically implanted devices used for people with severe to profound hearing loss and individuals who don’t benefit from hearing aids. Instead of amplifying sound, they bypass damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
Patient Stories
- I was born with hearing impairment (almost deafness), but my parents understood this after 2 years. I got cochlear implants and realized that I was two years behind in learning sounds and speech. But with the help of Softone experts I soon picked up what I needed to take me forward in studies and I excelled in school.
- I was born with moderate hearing loss from childhood, but this was the era before the new born hearing screenings. Once I turned completely deaf, I came to know about a cochlear implant clinic where I underwent implant surgery, and my life has turned a complete 360 degree turn since then.
FAQs on Cochlear Implant
How often should one visit the clinic after getting an implant?
It is a good idea to understand the cochlear implant components because even though the successful implant can work for years. But in the case of infants or people with progressive hearing loss need to visit your doctor regularly for implant care and settings. So simply call the number on our website and book an appointment with an audiologist immediately.
Is cochlear implant useful in tinnitus?
Cochlear implants are not a remedy for tinnitus, but if you get an implant for hearing loss then it also reduces tinnitus.
What is the difference between hearing aid and cochlear implant?
Hearing aid is an individual outer worn device which simply amplifies the sound and send it to the ear without any surgical procedure whereas cochlear implant by passes the damaged part of the ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve through the surgically implanted device.
Do cochlear implants give 100% hearing?
Cochlear implants do not restore or give 100% hearing but they can aid a hearing impaired person to get a lot of help in hearing and processing the sound and speech and language production.
Can a deaf person hear after a cochlear implant?
Yes, a deaf person can hear with cochlear implants.
Do people with cochlear implants speak normally?
People with cochlear implants hear sounds and speech in a different manner than people with normal hearing. This is the reason that in most cases people with cochlear implants may not be able to speak like a normal person.