Cochlear implant

Perhaps the most important advances in medicine are those that restore a sensory organ that the person never had or subsequently lost, and a cochlear implant is one of them. This procedure restores both hearing and speaking for children who have congenital hearing loss. Otherwise, these children would have to lead their lives deaf and mute.

How do cochlear implants work?

A cochlear implant (bionic ear) is a device implanted in human body to restore hearing for patients who have congenital or acquired severe hearing loss.

In dysfunction of auditory cells inside the ear, the implant converts sound into an electronic signal and transmits it directly into the auditory nerves.

A cochlear implant recipient no longer needs an ear drum or chain of bones for hearing, as the middle ear is bypassed and the auditory nerve inside the inner ear is directly stimulated. Cochlear implants substitute for the inner ear function. In other words, it bypasses dysfunctional components of the ear.

Who Can Receive a Cochlear Implant?

Cochlear implants are indicated in children who have congenital severe or very severe hearing loss in both ears and who did not benefit from hearing aids.

In adults who experience hearing loss for other causes (e.g. age-related hearing loss, infection, meningitis), hearing aids may be marginally helpful or completely ineffective.

Particularly in the cause of hearing loss induced by meningitis, a cochlear implant should be applied without delay.

The otolaryngologist and audiologist decide the eligibility of a patient for cochlear implant.

How is cochlear implants applied?

The system comprises two components: an external sound processer fitted behind or away from the ear  (the outer component) and a cochlear implant, surgically inserted right under the skin (the inner component).

These two components are attached to each other by a strong magnet. The microphone on the outer component collects sound and transmits it to the inner component.

The inner component is implanted under general anesthesia. After healing, the outer component is installed and configured.

Are Cochlear Implants Applied Bilaterally?

 In most individuals, cochlear implants are applied in both ears (bilaterally). Hearing with both ears is crucial to determining the direction of sound. Also, it may help develop an ability to distinguish wanted sounds from unwanted ones. In developed countries, bilateral cochlear implants are used in patients who have hearing loss in both ears. It has been shown that bilateral cochlear implants enable determination of the direction of sound and better hearing quality for patients.

What Are the Benefits of Cochlear Implants?

 Many adults who are using cochlear implants report:

Better hearing than with a hearing aid.

In a study, the reported speech perception rates were 80% for cochlear implant recipients, compared to 10% for hearing aid users.

Better concentration on hearing in a noisy environment.

This enables conversation at meeting tables, restaurants or crowded areas.

Restoring hearing of sounds which could not be heard before cochlear implant.

Able to hear alarm sounds, others calling them or approaching vehicles, which make them feel safer in daily life.

Hearing and talking on the telephone.

Enjoying music.

What Are the Risks of Cochlear Implant Surgery?

 Cochlear implant surgery should be performed by an experienced otolaryngologist. Risks inherent in anesthesia exist in this procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia. To minimize the risks of surgery, the patient undergoes pre-operative evaluation and imaging (e.g. MRI or tomography) to reveal the ear structure in great detail. The recent advances in surgical techniques have helped minimize risks, such as meningitis, facial paralysis, tinnitus or incision site problems. Also, because ear surgery is microsurgery it must be performed at a well-equipped hospital.

Can patients with cochlear implants have MRI?

 The newer cochlear implants introduced in recent years are compatible with MRI up to 3.0 tesla. You can consult us to learn which implants are MRI-compatible.

When Should A Person with Congenital Hearing Loss Receive Cochlear Implant?

When a neonate has been detected to have bilateral hearing loss, they should receive a cochlear implant at the age of 1 year. It should not be delayed, since the hearing center in the brain will remain non-stimulated over the years.