Evaluation For Cochlear Implant

What is a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant is an electrical device that can partially restore your hearing after you lose it, even if hearing aids are no longer effective for you. Instead of amplifying sounds like hearing aids, they work by allowing sounds to pass by the damaged part of your inner ear. 

Each cochlear implant includes a sound processor device that sits behind your ear. The processor picks up sounds and sends them to a receiver beneath the skin behind your ear. The receiver then sends electrical impulses to electrodes within your inner ear, which stimulate your auditory nerve. 

Although many people with cochlear implants can hear, the sounds do not sound the same as for hearing individuals. It takes about a year to adjust to having a cochlear implant, at which point you can interpret speech more effectively. 

What is an evaluation for a cochlear implant?

The team at Professional Hearing Center provides thorough cochlear implant evaluations and counseling. After spending time with you and completing an assessment, they can help you choose the right treatment course.

Your audiologist tests speech and your hearing comprehension with and without hearing aids during your evaluation for a cochlear implant. If you don’t currently have hearing aids, they provide you with hearing aids to use for a trial period before assessing for cochlear implants.

If you pass your evaluation with your audiologist, you can discuss the possibility of cochlear implant surgery with a skilled surgeon. As long as you’re a candidate for surgery, they can start planning your surgery and the counseling that comes after it. 

How do I know if I’m a candidate for a cochlear implant?

You won’t know for sure if you’re a candidate for cochlear implant surgery until after you attend a consultation. You might be a good candidate for a cochlear implant if you:

• Have hearing loss originating in your inner ear
• Struggle to hear clearly even with hearing aids
• Have supportive and understanding people in your life to help you communicate
• Understand the process of counseling and rehabilitation that comes after surgery

It’s important to keep in mind that even if you’re not a candidate for cochlear implants, there may be other courses of treatment that are a good fit for you. The team at Professional Hearing Center can answer all of your questions about the implants, the surgery, and other treatment options. 

To set up an evaluation for a cochlear implant at Professional Hearing Center, call the nearest location or book an appointment online today.