Hearing aids offer millions of people with hearing loss the ability to improve their hearing; they do this by amplifying sounds and optimizing them for the best possible benefit. However, when there is extensive damage to or malformation of the inner ear, significant hearing loss can be present. Even the most sophisticated hearing aids may not be enough to improve hearing ability to the necessary degree and a cochlear implant may be necessary to help improve hearing loss.

What is a Cochlear Implant?

A cochlear implant is an electronic medical device that functions in place of a damaged inner ear. Unlike hearing aids, which make sounds louder, cochlear implants bypass the damaged part of the ear and provide sound signals to the brain.

How Does a Cochlear Implant Work?

The cochlear implant’s electrodes are surgically implanted into the cochlea, which will deliver signals to the brain. The cochlea is responsible for converting sounds waves into electrical nerve impulses in the inner ear. These electrodes bypass any damage and send information directly to the auditory nerve. The auditory nerve then transfers these signals to the brain, where they are processed as the sounds.

Do I Need a Cochlear Implant?

At Accelerate ENT, we will perform a cochlear implant pre-evaluation to determine if a cochlear implant is the best course of treatment. A pre-implant evaluation is necessary to determine if a patient is a candidate for a cochlear implant or not. The evaluation may include additional information about cochlear implants including how they function, along with a complete hearing evaluation. We will also discuss reasonable expectations of what cochlear implants can offer. If necessary, the patient may also be referred out for a medical evaluation.

We also offer custom programming for cochlear implants because like with hearing aids, cochlear implant success is based on the degree of hearing loss and the patient’s sound quality preference. Tuning a cochlear implant is a more detailed and precise process. Just like with other hearing devices, we are committed to your success and welcome you back to our office for follow-up visits and regular hearing care.

Contact our office today to learn more about what cochlear implants can do for you and your family.