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s HereCochlear Implants
How does a hearing aid work?
How does a cochlear implant work?
What can someone expect from a cochlear implant?
Is there an age limit to getting a cochlear implant?
About the surgery
How do I know if I’m a candidate for cochlear implant surgery?
What do you do if hearing aids are not enough? A cochlear implant may be the answer. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are not the same:
How does a hearing aid work?
A hearing aid takes in sound through the microphone, sends it through filters to amplifiers, which send it to a receiver. The clean and amplified sound is then placed into the ear canal. The sound must travel through the ear canal to make the eardrum vibrate. The ear drum movement causes the bones of the middle ear to vibrate, which then sends the sound to the inner ear (cochlea). The inner ear has hair cells that help to transmit the sound to the nerve. When these hair cells are damaged, they cannot send a clear signal to the hearing nerve. Even though the sound coming from the hearing aid is clear, if the cochlea is damaged, it will not be able to process the sound clearly.
How does a cochlear implant work?
In order to get sound to the hearing nerve, an electrode array is surgically implanted in the inner ear or cochlea. The electrode array takes the place of the damaged hair cells, and stimulates the hearing nerve fibers in the ear. The sound that is heard is no longer acoustical sound, but is electrical sound. In many cases, the cochlear implant provides improved understanding of speech and better overall hearing ability. A cochlear implant consists of an implanted electrode array and an external sound/speech processing unit. Sounds are picked up by a microphone and transmitted to the speech processor. The speech processor appearance is similar to a hearing aid or is a body unit (which is worn on a belt or in a pocket). The sounds are converted to electrical information, which is delivered through the skin via a magnetic transmitting coil to the electrode array. The electrodes send the sound information signals to the hearing nerve, which then relays it to the brain, where the sound is finally interpreted. As with hearing aids, a battery powers the speech processing unit. Due to the high level of processing, special batteries are used.
How Nucleus Freedom™ works
- Sound processor: External sound processor captures sound and converts it into digital signals.
- Digital signals: Processor sends digital signals to internal implant
- Electrode array: Internal implant converts signals into electrical energy, sending it to an electrode array inside the cochlea.
- Hearing nerve: Electrodes stimulate hearing nerve, bypassing damaged hair cells, and the brain perceives signals as sound.
Nucleus Freedom implant
The Nucleus Freedom implant with Contour Advance electrode is the internal part of the system. It includes an electrode array which, when inserted into the cochlea (inner ear), bypasses damaged hair cells and stimulates the hearing nerve directly.
- Freedom BTE sound processor
- Cable and Coil
Nucleus Freedom Diagram
1. The Earhook is soft and comfortable, and sits on top of the ear to hold the sound processor securely in place.
2. The Processing Unit houses the main "computer" for the sound processing system. It easily attaches to a Behind-the-Ear option (as shown) or to a small connector that works with the Bodyworn controller. It features microphones that help to pick up sound from speech and from the environment.
3. BTE Controller Option sits behind the ear and features buttons which allow you to adjust volume, programs and sensitivity.
4. Coil/Cable unit connects the sound processing unit to the implant on the other side of the skin. It helps to transmit the electric impulses that enable you to hear.
5. The Magnet sits in the middle of the Coil and connects with a magnet on the other side of the skin. This connection between the magnets helps to conduct sound to your hearing nerve.
6. Cochlear Implant body is made of titanium and silicone, and is the most reliable cochlear implant available today.
7. The Electrode Array extends from the main body of the implant into the Cochlea. This is the main piece of the implant that delivers sound to your hearing nerve.
Launch Animation
What can someone expect from a cochlear implant?
Children
The cochlear implant can increase the awareness of sound, improve the ability to lip-read and enhance communication skills. Many recipients of the device have been able to enter mainstream school environments, talk on the phone, and communicate verbally. Following surgery, rehabilitation is necessary, as the both children (and adults) must learn to associate the electronic sound signals with normal environmental sounds.
Adults
Adults who have lost their hearing later in life (post-lingual deafness) can also be excellent candidates for cochlear implantation. Because of previous exposure to sound, they retain auditory memory, which enables greater speech comprehension. Many adults report a better quality of life after receiving an implant. They also report improved communication with family and friends as well as with the world at large. Adults who lost their hearing early in life (pre-lingual deafness) and who have worn hearing aids can also be good candidates for cochlear implantation.
Is there an age limit to getting a cochlear implant?
No there is not. Children as young as 12 months to adults over 90 years of age have all been implanted. Candidacy for the cochlear implant is determined by the degree of hearing loss and overall health of the individual. If there are no medical contraindications, a cochlear implant surgery can be performed.
About the Surgery
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and lasts approximately two hours. Prior to surgery, the cochlear implant candidate must receive a meningitis vaccine. The device implantation can usually be performed as part of an outpatient procedure. Follow-up visits with the surgeon are necessary to ensure proper healing of the incision site. Activation or initial stimulation of the external speech processors takes place two weeks after surgery.
How do I know if I am a candidate for cochlear implant surgery?
Children and adults must undergo a cochlear implant evaluation. For children, the evaluation determines if the child can receive adequate benefit from powerful hearing aids. Children who have heard and developed communication before losing their hearing historically do the best with implantation. The earlier the implantation is completed, the greater the expectations for benefit from the device. For adults, the benefit of his/her current hearing aids is evaluated, as well as need for newer or stronger amplification.
Children (12 months to 18 years)
- Have a profound hearing loss in both ears (pure tone average greater than 90 dB HL)
- Receive little or no benefit from hearing aids, even after using them for 3-6 months
- Have no medical contraindications
- Committed parental involvement
- Have realistic expectations
Adults (18 years +)
- Have a severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears (pure tone average greater than 70 dB HL)
- Receive limited benefit from hearing aids
- Could not benefit from newer or stronger amplification (hearing aids)
- Have no medical contraindications
- Possess a strong desire to hear
- Have realistic expectations
For more information, visit the following web sites:
Advanced Bionics Corp. at www.bionicear.com
Cochlear Americas Corp. at www.cochlear.com
Med-El Corp. at www.medel.com