Thinking About Cochlear Implants? Here’s Everything You Need To Know.

Written by Bronson Constance Brown Center audiologist Amy Boyce, Au.D.

Many people believe cochlear implants are only for those with total hearing loss, but they can also help those who simply struggle to hear, even with hearing aids. It’s estimated that less than five percent of adults who could benefit from a cochlear implant have one. It’s important to know that even if you have some residual hearing, a cochlear implant can significantly improve your ability to hear and communicate.

How is a cochlear implant different than a hearing aid?

A hearing aid works by amplifying sound, similar to turning up the volume on a speaker, so the sound travels through the middle and inner ear to the auditory nerve. In contrast, a cochlear implant bypasses the damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve with electrical signals. Unlike hearing aids, which rely on the natural pathway of sound, cochlear implants create a new way for sound to reach the brain.

If managing daily conversations and life situations is difficult for you despite using a hearing aid, a cochlear implant may help restore clearer sound and improve your quality of life.

How does a cochlear implant work?  

A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device for people with moderate to significant hearing loss.  Worn behind the ear, they use a sound processor, to capture external sounds. The processor transmits sound signals to the receiver, which is implanted under the skin behind the ear. From the receiver, the signals travel through a thin wire positioned inside the inner ear, or cochlea. These signals stimulate the cochlear (auditory) nerve and sends them to the brain. The brain then interprets these signals as sounds.

Who can get cochlear implants?  

We use the 60/60 rule to determine if someone may be eligible for a cochlear implant. One may be eligible for an implant if:

• Word recognition score is 60percent or lower
• Pure tone average is 60 dB or lower (at hearing thresholds of 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz

A cochlear implant is not suitable for everyone with a hearing impairment but can be life-changing for those who meet the criteria.

Are cochlear implants suitable for older adults?

Research shows that outcomes for older adults are similar to those of younger users. Additionally, Medicare covers cochlear implantation for eligible candidates, making it an accessible option for many seniors.

Do you need to get the implant in both ears? 

No. Based on your current hearing, you can use a cochlear implant in one ear or both, or with an implant in one ear and a hearing aid in the other. The audiology team at Bronson can help fit patients with both devices.

What are the long-term benefits of cochlear implants?

Some everyday examples of how cochlear implants help users include:

• Hearing better in noisy spaces.
• Determining where sounds are coming from, like alarms and weather warnings.
• Understanding speech without cues, such as lip reading.
• Speaking more clearly on the phone or hearing the TV without actively watching.

How do you find out if you are a candidate for cochlear implants?  

Your first step is to be evaluated by an audiologist. They will perform a hearing assessment to check your hearing levels. A referral from your primary care provider is needed to receive a hearing assessment at Bronson Constance Brown Hearing Center. If a hearing assessment has already been done in the last 12 months, you must have a cochlear implant candidacy evaluation while wearing your prescribed hearing aids instead.

If you meet the criteria for cochlear implants, you’ll meet with an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist. They’ll review your medical and hearing history, perform a physical exam and confirm your eligibility for the procedure. If you are a candidate, they can then schedule your surgery.

Contact Bronson Constance Brown Hearing Center

As one of the area’s most trusted providers of audiology services since 1942, Bronson Constance Brown Hearing Center’s team of professionals is committed to helping you hear better. For more information visit bronsonhealth.com/hearing. To schedule an appointment, call (269) 343-2601.