about them

Some may not benefit from hearing aids, so they choose to have a cochlear implant. What is a cochlear implant? What are its benefits and disadvantages?

Cochlear implantation is a surgical procedure that involves the implantation of an electronic medical device that helps the deaf and anyone who has severe hard of hearing by stimulating the auditory nerve directly.

How cochlear implants work

Unlike hearing aids that amplify sounds, cochlear implants bypass the damaged parts of the ear, so that the sound is delivered directly to the auditory nerve.

A sound processor is installed behind the ear, which collects sound waves and transmits them to a receiver device that is implanted under the skin behind the ear, which in turn sends sound signals to electrodes implanted in the cochlea of ​​the inner ear.

These signals stimulate the auditory nerve, which transmits signals to the brain and is translated into audible sounds.

Qualified persons for cochlear implants

Not everyone who suffers from hearing problems is eligible for cochlear implants, but cochlear implants are the best solution in the following cases:

The absence of conditions that can increase the risks associated with cochlear implants.

People with moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears.

People who have not used earphones.

People who scored 50% or less on camel discrimination tests in the ear where the cochlear implant will be implanted.

People who scored 60% or less on camel discrimination tests in the non-cochlear ear, or in both ears with headphones.

Cochlear implant procedure

After conducting the necessary tests and examinations, and determining whether the patient is a good candidate for cochlear implantation, the time of the cochlear implantation process is determined, and the following often occurs during the operation:

After applying general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision behind the ear and makes a small hole in the cochlea to the electrodes.

The receiving device is then ed under the skin and secured to the skull, and then the wound is sutured.

After the operation, the patient is transferred to the recovery unit and monitored to ensure that there are no complications.

The patient can be discharged from the hospital several hours after the operation or the next day.

A follow-up appointment is scheduled about a week after the operation, to make sure the wound has healed.

The external parts are installed and a month after the operation and then the implant operation, and in the following months, the doctor may make some modifications.

You must undergo a treatment called auditory rehabilitation to improve hearing abilities later.

Cochlear implant benefits

Cochlear implants have many benefits, including

Increased ability to hear better from earphones.

Increased ability to hear and focus even in noisy environments.

Increase the ability to speak on the phone without any problems.

Side effects of cochlear implants

Cochlear implants cause a number of side effects, such as

ringing in the ear

Vertigo.

Balance problems.

Meningitis.

Facial paralysis.

Loss of the residual normal ability to hear.

Remove the outer part when showering or swimming.

Continuously charge the batteries or renew them.

The need for surgery to remove the implant to fix it or for other problems.