Cochlear Implants: A Life-Changing Solution for Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life, affecting their ability to communicate, socialize, and enjoy every day experiences. Cochlear implants have emerged as a groundbreaking solution for those with moderate to profound hearing loss, profound hearing loss in one ear with normal hearing in the other ear, or when a person is receiving little to no benefit from hearing aids. 

What are Cochlear implants?

Cochlear implants are advanced medical devices designed to bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing individuals with moderately severe to profound hearing loss to perceive sound. Unlike traditional hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants work by converting sound waves into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as sound.

A cochlear implant system consists of two main components: an external sound processor and an internal implant. The external sound processor, worn behind the ear, captures sound and converts it into digital signals. These signals are then transmitted to the internal implant, which is surgically placed under the skin and connected to an electrode array inserted into the cochlea. The implant sends electrical signals to the auditory nerve, which then sends them to the brain to be processed as sound.

There are also hybrid devices available, known as electro-acoustic stimulation (EAS) devices, which combine the benefits of traditional cochlear implants with those of hearing aids. These devices are designed for individuals with significant high-frequency hearing loss who retain some low-frequency hearing. The hybrid implant provides electrical stimulation for high-frequency sounds while preserving and amplifying the natural low-frequency hearing through an acoustic component.

Benefits of Cochlear Implants

Improved hearing and speech comprehension:

Cochlear implants can significantly improve the hearing abilities of individuals with significant hearing loss, enabling them to better understand speech and communicate more effectively.

Enhanced quality of life:

By restoring the ability to hear, cochlear implants can have a profound impact on an individual's quality of life, allowing them to participate in social activities, enjoy music, and experience a greater sense of independence.

Better educational and employment opportunities:

Improved hearing can lead to better educational and employment opportunities for cochlear implant recipients, as they can engage in conversations and group settings more effectively.

Increased safety:

Cochlear implants can help individuals with hearing loss become more aware of their surroundings, allowing them to detect potential hazards and respond to emergency situations.

Emotional well-being:

Regaining the ability to hear can have a positive effect on an individual's emotional well-being, reducing feelings of isolation and depression often associated with hearing loss.

Working with Hearing Innovations

Hearing Innovations is a leading audiology clinic that offers comprehensive care for patients who are considering cochlear implants. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing personalised care and support throughout the entire cochlear implant journey, from initial consultation to post-operative care and ongoing programming of the device. The team of audiologists at Hearing Innovations works closely with each patient to determine if a cochlear implant is the right solution for their hearing loss. Hearing Innovations has a comprehensive candidature evaluation process in place to ensure a cochlear implant is the best possible solution for you before deciding to go ahead with a cochlear implant.  This assessment aims to gather information about the individual's hearing ability, speech understanding, and overall communication skills. Our audiologist will perform various tests, both with and without the candidate's hearing aids, to determine the extent of their hearing loss and the potential benefits of a cochlear implant.

The team of audiologists at Hearing Innovations will also support an individual in understanding what type of cochlear implant is recommended for them. There are several types of cochlear implants available, each with its own unique features and benefits. An audiologist at Hearing Innovations will also support a person in understanding if they require one cochlear implant (unilateral) or two cochlear implants (bilateral). 

If Hearing Innovations team of audiologists evaluate that a person is a candidate for a cochlear implant, the audiologist will then guide you through the process. This process often involves vestibular (balance) assessment and education, finding a surgeon, medical examination, imaging studies, and understanding the costs involved. This is a comprehensive and rigorous process made easy with the guidance and support of an audiologist at Hearing Innovations. 

Cochlear implants have revolutionised the lives of countless individuals with significant hearing loss, offering a life-changing solution that enables them to regain the gift of sound. Hearing Innovations is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients considering cochlear implants, ensuring that they receive the highest level of support throughout their journey. By choosing Hearing Innovations, clients can be confident that they are in the hands of experienced professionals who are committed to helping them achieve the best possible outcomes and enjoy a renewed sense of hearing.