When hearing aids no longer provide sufficient benefit , some patients with severe to profound hearing loss may require a different treatment option. One such option is a cochlear implant .
Unlike hearing aids, which work by amplifying sound, cochlear implants use an electronic system to convert sound into electrical signals that then stimulate the auditory nerve .
What Is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant is an electronic device designed to help provide hearing sensation to patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who receive limited benefit from hearing aids.
This device consists of an external part and a part that is implanted inside the body.
The outer part captures and processes sound. Meanwhile, the inner components receive the signals and transmit them to electrodes placed inside the cochlea .
The electrodes provide electrical stimulation to the part of the cochlea that is connected to the auditory nerve.
How Does a Cochlear Implant Help Hearing?
In simple terms, the process can be described as follows:
Sound → microphone → sound processor → transmitter → implant → electrodes in the cochlea → auditory nerve → brain
With this mechanism, a cochlear implant doesn't simply amplify sound like a hearing aid. This system provides electrical stimulation that helps transmit sound information through the auditory pathway.
What Does It Have to Do with Cochleostomy?
In cochlear implant surgery, the doctor needs to insert a series of electrodes into the cochlea.
One way to gain this access is through a cochleostomy , which involves creating an opening in the cochlea. However, with certain techniques, electrodes can also be inserted through the round window .
So, cochleostomy is not a cochlear implant device , but rather an access technique that can be used in the cochlear implant installation procedure.
Who Can Use a Cochlear Implant?
Cochlear implants are not intended for everyone with hearing loss. Candidates must undergo a comprehensive evaluation.
Some things to consider include:
- Experiencing severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.
- Getting limited benefit from hearing aids that are being used properly.
- Having an auditory nerve condition that allows for stimulation.
- Meet medical and audiological criteria for implantation.
In children, evaluation and treatment of hearing disorders need to be carried out as early as possible because hearing ability plays an important role in language or speech development and communication .
Can I hear normally straight after surgery?
Cochlear implants do not restore hearing to normal like a healthy ear .
After surgery, the device needs to go through an activation and programming phase (switch-on, AVT, and NRT) , and then the patient needs hearing rehabilitation. The brain needs time to learn to recognize and understand the signals it receives through the device.
The results can also vary for each patient, depending on, among other things, age, duration of hearing loss, condition of the auditory nerve, rehabilitation process and cooperation from the patient's parents or family.
What is the Difference Between a Hearing Aid and a Cochlear Implant?
|
Hearing Aids |
Cochlear Implant |
|---|---|
|
Amplifies the sound entering the ear |
Converts sound into electrical signals to stimulate the auditory nerve |
|
Generally used for mild to severe hearing loss, depending on the patient's condition. |
May be considered in severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss with limited benefit from hearing aids. |
|
Requires no surgery for installation |
Requires surgery to implant internal components |
|
The device sits on the outside of the ear. |
Has external and internal components implanted under the skin |
|
Taking advantage of the inner ear function which can still respond to amplified sound |
Using electrical stimulation through electrodes placed inside the cochlea |
|
Can be used directly after being adjusted by a professional. |
After surgery requires activation, programming and hearing rehabilitation. |
|
Not all patients with hearing loss require implanted devices. |
Not all patients with hearing loss are candidates for cochlear implants. |
Consult Your Hearing Condition
Hearing loss should not be treated based on self-diagnosis. An examination by an ENT (Head and Neck Surgeon) specialist, along with an audiological evaluation, is necessary to determine the type and degree of hearing loss and the most appropriate treatment options.
Cochleostomy and cochlear implants are two different procedures, but they can be combined into a series of procedures to help patients with certain hearing disorders. With a proper evaluation, doctors can determine the best option for each patient's individual condition.
Article written by Dr. Eko Teguh P, Sp.THT-KL (Ear, Nose, Throat Specialist – Head and Neck Surgery, EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).