What Is a Cochlear Implant?

Cochlear implants are hearing devices that are surgically placed under the skin behind your ear. There is an additional device that sits on or behind your ear, similar to a behind-the-ear hearing device, which picks up sound in your environment and communicates that to the implanted device under your skin.

Then, the implant stimulates the damaged areas of your inner ear that traditional hearing devices are unable to activate. This stimulation allows your hearing nerve to work as it was meant to work, therefore, giving your brain the ability to recognize environmental sounds and to understand speech clearly.

Of the patients who are recipients of cochlear implants, over 50% have shown to have an improved speech understanding and 100% have improvements in their quality of life.

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What Is the Process & Timeline of Getting a Cochlear Implant?

First, you will need to make an appointment for a comprehensive hearing test. If your hearing test suggests that you may be a candidate for a cochlear implant, then an evaluation will be scheduled.

During your implant evaluation, your hearing will be tested further with and without hearing aids to determine how well you can hear sounds and how well you understand speech. If after the testing you are deemed a cochlear implant candidate, you will be connected with an ear, nose, and throat physician to evaluate your overall health. When your overall health is cleared and you move forward with surgery, you will then return to our clinic to have your implant activated for the first time.

Lastly, and most importantly, you will work with an audiologist over multiple visits to refine your implant and to practice aural rehabilitation until you are fully successful with your ability to hear. To learn more details about the process of getting a cochlear implant, we encourage you to schedule an evaluation to determine candidacy.

Cochlear Implant Myths

You must be completely deaf to get an implant.
False! Today, patients with moderate to profound hearing loss can receive a cochlear implant.
It is complicated brain surgery.
Not true! At no point in the procedure are we close to the brain space. Cochlear implants have become a simple, outpatient procedure with minimal recovery.
I’m too old to get a cochlear implant.
Myth! As long as the individual is healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia, they should not be denied a cochlear implant based on age alone. You are never too old to hear!
I can’t afford this device or surgery.
Wrong! The cochlear implant procedure and device are typically covered by insurance.

Schedule Your Cochlear Implant Consultation

To learn more about cochlear implants, call us today at (310) 803-9496 for a complimentary hearing consultation.

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