Hearing aids are the most common solutions for people with hearing loss, but ENTs (ear, nose, and throat doctors) may also recommend cochlear implants for people with severe hearing loss. Cochlear implants aren’t for everyone, and they require extensive therapy and training. However, cochlear implants can improve quality of life by allowing people to better hear the environment around them and comprehend speech without reading lips.
What Is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant is a small electronic medical device that can improve moderate to severe hearing loss in babies, children, and adults. Cochlear implants turn sound vibrations into signals that travel along with the auditory nerves. The brain then translates the signals into recognizable sounds.
Cochlear implants can’t restore normal hearing, and they don’t amplify sounds. But these devices can help people with hearing loss recognize sounds and speech much better.
How Do Cochlear Implants Work?
Cochlear implants consist of two parts. One part sits on the side of the head, behind the ear; it contains a microphone that picks up sound. A speech processor converts sounds into electric impulses, and the device then sends the impulses to the auditory nerve.
Five Benefits of Cochlear Implants
People with severe hearing loss often have trouble with verbal communication; challenges in everyday life activities such as driving; rising frustration; and lack of confidence. Therefore, cochlear implants can improve one’s overall quality of life. Many people who receive the implant and the appropriate therapy from audiology professionals express that they can recognize speech more clearly and that the device boosts their confidence.
Cochlear implant recipients enjoy many other benefits, including:
- Improved feeling of safety due to the ability to hear emergency sirens, traffic signals for crossing the road, and even cell phone alerts
- Improved relationships, as communication becomes more accessible
- Boosted self-confidence and overall well-being, as recipients can engage more with the world
- More employment opportunities
If hearing aids cannot help with your speech or hearing or if you have severe hearing loss, you might be a candidate for a cochlear implant. Contact us today to inquire and schedule an appointment.
