For When Hearing Aids Aren’t Enough

When a patient experiences profound hearing loss that cannot be aided by a traditional hearing aid, cochlear implants can provide lasting hearing improvement.

A cochlear implant specialist surgeon performs the surgery; they make a small incision behind the ear, thread the electrode into the inner ear (cochlea), and tuck the implant under the skin. The surgical team then runs tests to measure the patient’s response to the implant before closing the incision.

Any surgical procedure involves risks when general anesthesia is involved. However, complications due to cochlear implants are unlikely, and the surgery requires just one day in hospital.

A patient’s medical history and the possibility of complications are always considered before the surgery.

Only the external component is involved in technological upgrades, which can be easily removed and replaced while the internal electrode stays fixed in place and is the only part of a cochlear implant that involves a surgical procedure.

Quite the opposite! Wearers of cochlear implants are able to swim, shower, and remain active in their busy lifestyles.

For showering or swimming, most users simply remove the external processor and use protective headgear for aggressive physical activities like sports.

However, the one drawback is that users of cochlear implants cannot go scuba diving or skydiving, as these involve intense pressure changes and can affect the device’s performance.

Your audiologist will usually activate your cochlear implant within 4-6 weeks after surgery. The activation process is gradual, beginning with basic soft sounds and building on your progress in order to introduce more sounds in successive weeks and months.

Most private insurance companies and Medicare cover FDA-approved cochlear implants. If you aren’t sure if a cochlear implant would be covered by your specific plan, feel free to chat with our insurance specialist to find out more.

A bi-modal fitting is the term for when a patient wears a hearing aid in one ear and a cochlear implant in the other. Communication between the two devices can be achieved thanks to the advancements in digital technology and connectivity.