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What are Cochlear Implants?

Cochlear implants are electronic devices designed to provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. Consisting of an external processor and an internal electrode array that is surgically implanted into the cochlea, these implants bypass damaged hair cells in the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. The external processor captures sound, converts it into electrical signals, and transmits it to the internal electrode array. The electrode then sends these signals to the auditory nerve, allowing the brain to perceive sound. Cochlear implants have significantly improved the quality of life for many individuals with profound hearing loss, enabling them to communicate effectively and engage more fully in social and professional activities.

Overview

Cochlear Implant-Overview
Different parts of cochlear implants and their use
  • External Microphone and Speech Processor - Captures sound from the environment and converts it into digital signals for processing.
  • Transmitter Coil - Sends processed signals across to the internal receiver-stimulator.
  • Internal Receiver-Stimulator - Receives signals from the transmitter coil and converts them into electrical impulses to stimulate the auditory nerve.
  • Electrode Array - Delivers electrical stimulation to the auditory nerve fibers, bypassing damaged hair cells.
  • Auditory Nerve - Transmits electrical impulses generated by the electrode array to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.
Benefits of cochlear implants
  • Enhances ability to understand speech in both quiet and noisy environments.
  • Facilitates better communication, social interaction, and participation in daily activities.
  • Enables better access to spoken language, supporting academic success.
  • Enables awareness of environmental sounds, enhancing safety in various situations.
  • Reduces feelings of isolation and frustration associated with hearing loss.
  • Compared to the ongoing expenses of hearing aids, cochlear implants may offer financial benefits over time.
Risks of cochlear implants
  • Surgical complications include infection, bleeding, or damage to nearby structures.
  • Possibility of malfunction or failure of the cochlear implant hardware, requiring repair or replacement.
  • Risk of further damage to residual hearing or the auditory nerve during implantation or use.
  • Some individuals may experience inflammation or rejection of the implant components.
  • The perception of ringing or buzzing sounds in the ear may occur post-implantation.
  • Rare instances of balance problems following implantation surgery.
  • Potential psychological effects such as adjustment difficulties or unrealistic expectations.
Candidature for cochlear implants
  • Severe to profound hearing loss in both ears.
  • Significant difficulty understanding speech with hearing aids, even in quiet environments.
  • Realistic expectations regarding the implantation process and auditory rehabilitation thereafter.
  • No medical condition that may increase the surgical risks or affect rehabilitation outcomes.
  • Presence of a functional auditory nerve capable of transmitting electrical signals to the brain.
  • No improvement in speech understanding despite optimal use of hearing aids.
  • Desire for improved communication abilities and participation in daily activities, such as work or social interactions.
  • Absence of contraindications such as active middle ear infections or certain anatomical abnormalities.
Cochlear Implant Treatment Image

Cochlear Implants : Diagnosis and Procedure

Cochlear Implant Surgery Procedure

A cochlear implant operates by bypassing impaired sections of the inner ear, known as the cochlea, and stimulating the auditory nerve directly. This enables individuals with severe to profound hearing loss to perceive sound. The process involves the following steps:

  • An external microphone is positioned on a processor and worn behind the ear. The microphone captures sounds from the surroundings and converts them into digital signals.
  • The processor then analyzes and processes these digital signals. The processor extracts essential speech cues and sound details before and transmits them to the internal component of the cochlear implant.
  • Through wireless transmission, the processed signals reach the internal implant that is surgically implanted under the skin behind the ear.
  • A set of small electrodes, known as an electrode array, is inserted into the cochlea. These electrodes bypass damaged hair cells within the cochlea and stimulate the auditory nerve fibers.
  • When the electrodes stimulate the auditory nerve fibers, they generate electrical impulses that travel along the auditory nerve to the brain.
  • The brain interprets these electrical impulses as sound.

What is Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation? Why is it important?

Cochlear implant rehabilitation is a comprehensive process aimed at helping individuals adapt to and maximize the benefits of their cochlear implant. It involves various strategies such as auditory training, speech therapy, and device adjustment to optimize speech perception and communication skills.

This rehabilitation is essential because while cochlear implants provide access to sound, the brain needs time to learn how to interpret these signals effectively. Additionally, individuals with cochlear implants may need assistance in developing auditory skills, speech understanding, and adjusting to the new sensory input. Rehabilitation helps maximize the potential benefits of cochlear implants and improves the overall quality of life for recipients.

How Does Cochlear Implants Improve Quality of Life?

Cochlear implants significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss by restoring access to sound and improving communication abilities. With cochlear implants, recipients can engage more fully in social interactions, conversations, and everyday activities. Enhanced communication skills foster stronger connections with family, friends, and the community, reducing feelings of isolation and improving overall well-being. Furthermore, cochlear implants facilitate better educational and employment opportunities, enabling recipients to pursue their goals and aspirations more effectively. Overall, the restoration of auditory function through cochlear implants empowers individuals to lead more fulfilling and independent lives.

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Why Pristyn Care?

Delivering Seamless Surgical Experience in India

01.

Pristyn Care is COVID-19 safe

Your safety is taken care of by thermal screening, social distancing, sanitized clinics and hospital rooms, sterilized surgical equipment and mandatory PPE kits during surgery.

02.

Assisted Surgery Experience

A dedicated Care Coordinator assists you throughout the surgery journey from insurance paperwork, to free commute from home to hospital & back and admission-discharge process at the hospital.

03.

Medical Expertise With Technology

Our surgeons spend a lot of time with you to diagnose your condition. You are assisted in all pre-surgery medical diagnostics. We offer advanced laser and laparoscopic surgical treatment. Our procedures are USFDA approved.

04.

Post Surgery Care

We offer free follow-up consultations and instructions including dietary tips as well as exercises to every patient to ensure they have a smooth recovery to their daily routines.

Faqs Related to Cochlear Implants

How long is cochlear implant surgery?

Cochlear implant surgery typically lasts from 2 to 4 hours, although the exact duration can vary depending on factors such as the patient’s anatomy and any additional procedures required. After surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for observation for a day or two before being discharged

Will a cochlear implant help me hear better than my hearing aids?

While hearing aids may suffice for some individuals with hearing loss initially, as the condition worsens, understanding speech can remain challenging even with powerful aids. In such cases, cochlear implants or a combination of a cochlear implant and a hearing aid (bimodal hearing) may offer better access to clearer sounds. Studies indicate that 93% of cochlear implant recipients experience substantial improvement in speech understanding compared to using a hearing aid alone.

Which doctor to consult for cochlear implant surgery?

For cochlear implant surgery, you should consider consulting an ENT doctor or an otolaryngologist or an audiologist. For the initial stage, you may consult with a general physical but you are highly likely to be referred to an ENT specialist thereafter.

Will a cochlear implant restore normal hearing for people who are deaf?

No, cochlear implants do not treat deafness. It is only a communication device that aids in hearing. When hearing functions normally, parts of the inner ear convert sound waves into electrical impulses. These impulses are sent to the brain, where they are recognized as sound. A cochlear implant simulates that process. An implant, supplemented with listening therapy, can help people recognize sound.

Can individuals with cochlear implants participate in sports?

Yes, people with cochlear implants can participate in most sports as long as the implant isn’t directly hit. However, people with cochlear implants are advised against sports that involve physical injury or blows to the head, such as boxing.

What is the lifespan of a cochlear implant?

Cochlear implants are designed to last a lifetime. However, like any other electrical device, the parts of the implant may fail. Typically, external parts of a cochlear impant such as the sound processor or microscope lasts a pretty long time.

What is the cost of cochlear implant surgery in Pune?

The cost of cochlear implants can vary depending on factors such as the brand of the device used, surgical fees, and postoperative care and rehabilitation. To get a clearer idea of the cochlear implant surgery cost, you should have a detailed discussion with the ENT doctor in Pune or his/her medical staff.

Are cochlear implants 100% effective?

Cochlear implants do not guarantee 100% effectiveness. However, they can significantly enhance speech perception and quality of life for individuals grappling with severe to profound hearing loss. According to research, 82% of adults with postlingual hearing loss and 53% of those with prelingual hearing loss experienced a notable improvement of 15 percentage points or more in their speech perception ability following cochlear implantation.

At what age can I get cochlear implants?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), children can receive cochlear implants at 12 months of age and older. However, children with severe hearing loss can get cochlear implants as young as 9 months. Children who are congenitally deaf should receive cochlear implant surgery before 3 years old, if possible.

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