The cochlear implant, also called a cochlear is an electronic hearing aid. It may be a possibility for those who are unable to hear effectively with hearing aids due to severe hearing loss brought on by inner ear damage.
In contrast to hearing aids, which enhance sound, a cochlear implant bypasses damaged parts of the ear to transfer sound impulses to the hearing (auditory) nerve.
The processor sends sound impulses to the receiver, which is implanted behind the ear, and the receiver receives them. The signals from the receiver are received by the electrodes in the snail-shaped inner ear (cochlea).
The signals excite the auditory nerve, which then sends the signals to the brain. Although the noises produced by those impulses are not exactly like those heard naturally, the brain interprets them as sounds.
Learning to decipher the signals coming from a cochlear implant requires practice and time. Most cochlear implant users improve their ability to interpret speech significantly within the first three to six months of use.
Types of Cochlear Implants
Depending on the kind and severity of hearing loss, a particular implant may be required. You might be given a bone conduction implant or a middle ear implant (MEI) if the issue is inadequate sound conduction in the outer or middle ear. You might benefit from a cochlear implant (CI) if the cochlea is the issue. As an alternative, you might be a candidate for an auditory brainstem implant (ABI) if your hearing nerves are not functioning properly. It is crucial to talk with your audiologist about your current hearing ability and the kinds of hearing implants or aids that might be advantageous for you.
When traditional hearing aids are unable to provide enough benefit, hearing implants are a possibility. The four types of implants we provide are described below:
- Cochlear implants
- Bone conduction implants
- Middle ear implants
- Auditory brainstem implants
One of the finest areas to hunt for an appropriate and affordableCochlear Implantation Cost in India. The country is renowned for its expertise in various fields and as a center for medical tourism. The type of prosthesis used, the surgical procedure, and the hospital’s location can all affect the cost of cochlear implant treatment in India. Before having the operation, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional and get an accurate cost estimate.
Tests That Are Conducted Prior To Receiving a Cochlear Implant
The following is what your hearing team might do:
- Hearing evaluations: An audiologist may conduct evaluations to determine the severity of your hearing loss, as well as your capacity for speech and sound comprehension with and without hearing aids. Auditory brain stem response may be measured during hearing exams. Your inner ear and brain connections are examined during this test. The purpose of this test is to assess hearing in youngsters and individuals who cannot successfully complete pure-tone tests.
- Battery of vestibular tests: Your inner ear controls equilibrium as well. Another method to assess the condition of your inner ear is through vestibular tests.
- Imaging tests: To study the structure of your inner ear, healthcare professionals may do an MRI or CT scan.
There are many top-notch clinics recognized for their skill in cochlear implant surgeries if you’re looking for the best cochlear implant hospital in India. Due to their state-of-the-art facilities and staff of highly qualified medical professionals, these hospitals stand out as industry leaders. Similar to choosing a cochlear implant hospital, it is advised to do extensive research and speak with medical experts to find the best match for your unique requirements.
How do Cochlear Implants Function?
A cochlear implant and a hearing aid are two very different types of technology. So that ears with hearing loss can hear noises, hearing aids amplify sounds. Bypassing damaged ear tissue, cochlear implants stimulate the auditory nerve directly. The brain interprets the implant’s impulses as sound following the auditory nerve and sends them to the brain. Because cochlear implants are different from normal hearing, it takes some time for someone to retrain their ears to hear with them. However, it enables a lot of people to hear conversations in person or on the phone, interpret other noises in the environment, and recognize warning signals.
What Lies in Store For Cochlear Implants in the Future?
Research to improve the advantages of cochlear implants is supported by the NIDCD. Researchers are examining if it is possible to assist people whose hearing loss is restricted to higher frequencies while maintaining their ability to hear lower frequencies by inserting a shorter electrode array, for example, into a part of the cochlea. Researchers are also examining the possible advantages of combining a cochlear implant in one ear with a hearing aid or another cochlear implant in the opposite ear. Hearing aids like Lyric are similar to cochlear implants as they are also deeply fitted into the ear canal, making them completely invisible. Out of sight, out of mind – that’s what you can expect from Lyric hearing aids. Get to know this invisible hearing aid more with this Lyric hearing aid review.
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