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Cochlear Implant

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A cochlear implant is a medical device that is surgically implanted and provides hearing when a person has limited benefit from traditional hearing devices due to a severe to profound hearing loss in both ears. The sound processor rests on the ear which collects sound with a microphone, converts the acoustic signal into an electrical signal, and houses the battery. The optimized signal is then transmitted to the implant located just below the skin and leads to an electrode array that has been surgically inserted into the organ of hearing called the cochlea.   

Cochlear implant recipients describe speech sounding different than natural speech. Most cochlear implant recipients have better speech understanding with cochlear implants than with traditional hearing aids. 

Adult candidates:

  • Have moderate to profound sensorineural (nerve type) hearing loss in both ears
  • Limited benefit from hearing devices
  • Have a desire to be a part of the hearing world

Pediatric candidates:

  • Have a severe to profound sensorineural (nerve type)hearing loss in both ears
  • Lack of progress with auditory skills
  • Limited benefit from hearing devices

What is a hybrid cochlear implant?

A hybrid cochlear implant is a medical device that is surgically implanted and provides hearing when a person has limited benefit from traditional hearing devices. A hybrid cochlear implant is a combination of a hearing aid device and a cochlear implant. The hearing aid device is used to amplify the low pitches while the cochlear implant is used to amplify the high pitches.

Adult candidates:

  • At least eighteen years old
  • Limited benefit from traditional hearing aid devices
  • Have a desire to be a part of the hearing world

Hearing Loss Resources