Cochlear implant can prove to be life-changing for people with severe to profound hearing loss. These implants have the ability to restore hearing and help people hear sounds that were once impossible. Cochlear implants are very different from hearing aids, which just work by simply amplifying the sound. Cochlear Implants directly stimulate the auditory nerve, and thus, provide a sense of hearing even in people whose inner ears are damaged or unable to collect sounds. However, one of the most common questions that arises in the minds of patients before considering a Cochlear implant device is whether these implants are permanent or not. To answer this, we must understand that cochlear implants are meant to provide long-term results. In this article, we will discuss in detail about how these cochlear implants work, how long they last and what can a patient expect in terms of the maintenance and wear and tear of these implants.
What are cochlear implants?
As we have discussed above, Cochlear Implants are electronic devices that can help patients with hearing loss. These devices do not restore the hearing of a person, however, they can significantly increase the ability of a patient to understand speech and hear other sounds. Let us now try to understand how the Cochlear implant works. The process of hearing basically starts when a sound enters the ear of a person and reaches the inner ear where the cochlea is present. The cochlea has some hair that connects to the auditory nerve. When the sound reaches the inner ear and hits the cochlea, an electronic signal is sent through the auditory nerve to the brain. Cochlear Implants generally bypass the inner ear and generate a new pathway for the sound to reach the brain.
- The Cochlear implant device has a sound processor present outside the ear catches the sound coming to the ear
- The sound processor then sends this signal to a transmitter attached to the scalp of the patient.
- This transmitter then converts the sound signals to electrical impulses and sends it to the electrodes present in the inner ear.
- The electrodes present in the inner ear collect these impulses and send them to the brain through the auditory nerves.
What are the long-term benefits of Cochlear Implants?
- Lasting hearing improvement – Cochlear implants are proven to improve the hearing capacity of patients. Once they are in place, they help patients often experience a significant improvement in the ability to hear, decipher and understand the sounds better. Speech comprehension and directional awareness are also improved with Cochlear implant device.
- Better Quality of Life – Patients who receive cochlear implants experience significant improvement in their quality of life. The ability to hear properly not only helps individuals to ensure proper language and speaking skills but also helps them by improving their social interaction. Patients can experience better communication skills, and regain their independence. All these factors lead to the overall emotional well-being of the patient.
- Adaptability – Cochlear implant treatment allows patients to adapt and customize their devices according to their auditory perceptions. The programming and other related aspects of the device can be further adjusted according to the individual needs and requirements of each patient.
What happens after a Cochlear implant surgery?
Once a patient has had a cochlear implant, he will more or less have it for the lifetime, barring any unexpected defect or other changes in the device. The audiologists and experts will keep a check on the implants so as to make sure that the device is working perfectly and the programming is smooth. The patient will be checked regularly to ensure that the device and its settings are functioning at their best. It is also important to keep in check whether the skin near the site of the implant is fine and does not have any infections or complications. In order to make the most of a Cochlear implant device, there are a few things that the patient needs to keep in mind. They must wear the external processor at all times while they are awake. While the brain is still learning about how it can interpret the new information and signals arriving from the ear, the patient can participate in certain therapies and sessions that help the brain understand these signals better. It is also advised for a patient with a cochlear implant to consider being connected to other patients who also have a cochlear implant.
If you are looking for the best Hearing loss treatment in Mohali or the Best cochlear implant surgeon in Mohali, Sohana Hospital might be the best option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali boasts of the world’s most advanced technology and Tri-city’s leading Audiologists and ENT specialists, who provide the most comprehensive and holistic care for all the hearing issues of the patients in the region.