Cochlear Implants: Benefits, Candidacy & Advancements
Hearing impairment has existed for centuries, and for a long time, there were no solutions for those who suffer from it. As technology has developed, there have been significant advances in solutions for those with hearing impairments. One of these is cochlear implants. This blog will discuss what exactly these implants are, their benefits, and who qualifies for them.
What Are Cochlear Implants?
A cochlear implant is a tiny electrical device that helps people who are deaf or extremely hard of hearing perceive sound. One is inserted beneath the skin, and the other is positioned behind the ear.
Parts of an implant include a microphone that captures background noise, a speech processor that picks and arranges microphone-pictured sounds, and a transmitter that receives signals from the speech processor and transforms them into electric impulses. An electrode array is a collection of electrodes that receives impulses from the stimulator and sends them to various auditory nerve areas.
Device Advancements
When it was discovered that electrical currents could send meaningful sounds to the brain, it was the catalyst for the research and development that led to the cochlear implant. In contrast to conventional hearing aids, cochlear implants consist of an external device and a implantable component. In addition, the devices activate the auditory system’s acoustic nerves rather than going through the middle and outer ear as hearing aids do.
After over twenty years of work, cochlear implants have improved. They used to have only one channel, but now they have many. Thanks to new technology, people who use these implants can communicate better, understand language better, recognize spoken words more easily, and enjoy media more.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Candidates for cochlear implants can be adults or children. They could have lost their hearing after learning to talk or could have been deaf from birth. This operation can now be performed on children as young as one year old.
It is a bit different for adult patients. The patient should be totally or almost totally deaf in both ears, and wearing hearing aids should barely make any difference in their condition. The applicant must be aware that becoming comfortable with the device will take time.
The Benefits
Cochlear implants are distinct from conventional hearing aids in several ways. They can achieve better sound quality, especially for those with severe to profound hearing loss. Additionally, they can enhance communication skills in quiet settings and voice recognition in noisy ones. Furthermore, cochlear implants usually have a longer lifespan than conventional hearing aids.
Cochlear implants help people hear better, which also makes it easier to talk and improve how they sound. This can strengthen relationships with family and friends. They also help notice sounds for better safety and well-being. For kids and babies, implants can make a big difference in their lives. They help babies born deaf reach important milestones in their growth. If young children use them early, implants can help them keep up with their development.
NYC Hearing Associates, Your Trusted Cochlear Implant Specialists
NYC Hearing Associates is your local cochlear implant center. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to providing you with the best services. Our audiologists will collaborate with you to maximize the performance of your implants. We always ensure that it is set up to suit your individual requirements. If you think you might need these implants, make an appointment at NYC Hearing Associates for a thorough evaluation.