It is difficult to put into words the sadness and loneliness we feel when we cannot hear the most beautiful sounds in the world, the voices of loved ones, the laughter of a small child. Hearing loss is something that distances us from many things in life. However, with the advancement of modern medicine, there are now new technologies to deal with this condition. Today we are talking about such a special device. That is the cochlear implant .
Okay, so what is a cochlear implant?
Simply put, a cochlear implant is an electronic device designed to help people who are completely deaf or have severe hearing loss who have difficulty understanding speech.
There are two main parts to this.
1. Externally worn part: There is a processor and a magnet that are worn behind the ear, like a hearing aid .
2. Subcutaneous implant: This consists of a receiver implanted under the skin of the skull and an electrode array inserted into the cochlea, a part of the inner ear.
This outer part and the inner part are connected to each other by magnetic force. What this device does is direct sound waves directly to your auditory nerve. This nerve is what carries sound signals to the brain.
The most important thing is that a cochlear implant will not restore your normal hearing to what you had before. However, it can greatly help you recognize sounds like a phone ringing, a doorbell, and understand what someone is saying.
| Component | What it does (Function) |
|---|---|
| Microphone | It captures sounds from the environment. |
| Speech Processor | The sounds obtained are classified and converted into electronic signals. |
| Transmitter | These electronic signals are sent to the area under the skin. |
| Receiver | It sits under the skin and receives signals sent from the transmitter. |
| Electrodes | The signals from the receiver are used to directly stimulate the auditory nerve. |
What is the difference between a hearing aid and a cochlear implant?
Although both of these are hearing aids, the way they work is completely different.
| Feature | Hearing Aid | Cochlear Implant |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Using whatever hearing you have, you can make sounds loud and clear . | It bypasses the sound-processing parts of the ear and sends sound signals directly to the auditory nerve . |
| Who is it suitable for? | For those with some level of natural hearing. | For those who have damaged cells in the inner ear and have almost no natural hearing. |
| Surgery | No surgery is needed. | Surgery is needed to transplant internal parts. |
How does this work?
Imagine, there are lots of tiny hair cells in the part of our inner ear called the cochlea. These cells pick up sound vibrations and send them to the brain as nerve signals. If a person's hair cells are damaged, or if they are not present from birth, there is no way for the sounds to reach the auditory nerve.
What a cochlear implant does is bypass these damaged hair cells and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. So instead of "hearing" sounds, you can "perceive" sounds.
Cochlear implant surgery and after
This is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home without having to stay in the hospital. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia .
The surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear, makes a small hole in the skull bone, and goes into the inner ear. Then, the electrodes are inserted into the cochlea, the receiver is placed under the skin, and the incision is sewn back up. This takes about an hour or two.
After the surgery, a few weeks after the wound has healed, you will see your doctor again. That's when the processor, which you wear externally, will be programmed to suit you.
Then the most important part begins. That's therapy . You need to train your brain to understand the new signals coming from this device. This will require some time working with a speech and hearing therapist.
Who is this really suitable for?
Not everyone with hearing loss can get a cochlear implant. There are several qualifications that must be met. A medical team, including an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT surgeon) and an audiologist, will decide if this is right for you.
These are usually the people who are suitable:
- People with moderate to profound hearing loss in one or both ears.
- People who don't benefit enough from hearing aids.
- People who do not have other major illnesses that would prevent them from having surgery.
- People who have a good understanding of what this device can and cannot do.
- Those who can commit to participating in the necessary training sessions after surgery.
Cochlear implants for young children
A child born with a congenital hearing impairment has a very difficult time learning language and speaking. Therefore, such a child can benefit greatly from having a cochlear implant at an early age.
Research has shown that children who receive a cochlear implant before the age of 18 months and receive the necessary training can learn language and speech as quickly as other normal children. Whether or not to have this done for their child is a personal decision that parents should discuss with their medical team.
What are the benefits and risks?
Like anything, cochlear implants have benefits and minor risks.
Advantages
- Being able to understand what someone is saying without looking at their face.
- Being able to talk on the phone and watch TV.
- Being able to recognize things like warning sounds (alarm, car horn).
- For some people, tinnitus may be reduced.
- Being able to control the way they speak as they begin to hear their own voice.
Risks
Although cochlear implant surgery is very safe, there are common risks associated with any surgery.
- Complications related to anesthesia.
- Infections and bleeding at the surgical site.
- There is a very small chance of damage to a facial nerve (loss of function of part of the face).
- Dizziness or balance problems.
- If there was any remaining hearing in the ear undergoing surgery, it will be lost.
- Very rarely, there is a risk of meningitis (an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain). (Vaccines are given to prevent this).
You can talk openly with your doctor about any of these things.
How is life with this device?
There are several things to consider when living with a cochlear implant.
- Protect from water: Wearable processors should be removed when bathing or swimming. There are special waterproof covers for that.
- Contact Sports: You need to be very careful when playing sports that involve a hard blow to the head (e.g. boxing, rugby), as the internal parts can be damaged.
- MRI Scan: Due to the powerful magnets in MRI machines, special precautions must be taken before undergoing an MRI scan. It is imperative to inform doctors about this.
- Static Electricity: The small 'current' generated when touching things like a TV screen can damage the processor on the outside. Therefore, it is best to unplug the processor during such times.
To achieve successful results with this device, it is very important to wear it at all times and attend training sessions regularly .
Take-Home Message
- A cochlear implant is an electronic device that helps people with severe hearing loss recognize sounds.
- This won't provide natural hearing, but it can greatly improve the quality of life.
- This requires surgery to implant, but it is a very safe surgery.
- To maximize results after surgery, brain training therapy sessions are essential.
- Be sure to discuss this with an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT Surgeon) and his team to determine if this is right for you or your child.
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