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| Generally speaking,
cochlear implants are for patients with
severe-to-profound, sensorineural hearing loss. There
are approximately 500,000 patients in the USA with
severe-to-profound hearing loss. Cochlear implants are
only recommended after the patient has tried the most
powerful and most appropriately fit hearing aids, and
has not shown sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Cochlear implants are devices that are "permanently"
surgically implanted into the inner ear. |
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| Cochlear implantation is
a surgical procedure performed by otolaryngology
surgeons. Cochlear implants have been FDA approved for
almost two decades and the advances and improvements in
the technology have been amazing. The Food and Drug
Association (FDA) and the American Medical Association
(AMA) recognize cochlear implants as safe and effective
treatment for severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing
loss. Most insurance programs pay (at least partly) for
cochlear implantation. Your audiologist, your
otolaryngology surgeon and their appropriate office
staff are experienced at managing insurance issues. |
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| Appropriately identified
adults as well as profoundly deaf children (starting at
age 12 months) can be implanted. Research demonstrates
that the earlier a deaf child is implanted, the better
the long term result will be with respect to speech and
language development. Following surgery, rehabilitation
is necessary, as the child must learn to associate the
sound signals with normal sounds. Regarding deaf adults,
research suggests that adults who receive cochlear
implants are less lonely, have less social anxiety, are
more independent, have increased social and
interpersonal skills, and of course, they hear better
with the cochlear implant! |
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| Cochlear implants are
utilized in the patient who cannot benefit from hearing
aids. The cochlear implant is a device used to bypass
the nonfunctional inner ear and converts sound into
electrical impulses that directly stimulate the cochlear
nerve. The implant consists of an external portion
comprised of a microphone, sound processor, and external
coil and an internal portion that must be surgically
implanted. The surgical procedure involves the placement
of an internal receiver beneath the skin behind the ear,
and stimulating electrode array, which is inserted into
the cochlea or inner ear. The electrical signals are
manipulated and controlled by the audiologist to
maximize speech perception. The brain interprets these
electrical impulses as sound. Again, not all patients
are surgical candidates, and not all cochlear implant
recipients receive the same benefit. |
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| It is important to
remember that the vast majority of the patients who
receive cochlear implants are actually "deaf" prior to
implantation, and they have not been successful with
traditional hearing aids. Your audiologist is a very
knowledgeable resource in regards to cochlear implants
and will be happy to discuss them with you. |
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