HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST COCHLEAR IMPLANTS?

If you’re on this blog post, you or your loved ones might have been diagnosed with hearing loss and advised for a cochlear implant surgery. We understand that these can be tough and confusing times for you, however, that, in no way, is a reason to be disheartened or anxious. You can cheer up, as you or your loved ones are soon going to get the most advanced and personalized treatment for hearing loss, which will not only improve their hearing ability but also allow them to compete toe-to-toe with the world, fostering an overall development of their mind and personality. Nonetheless, deciding upon which cochlear implant is the best for you and your family, and reaching a conclusive decision is a tough and confusing process. But don’t worry, in this article, we discuss in detail about the different brands and corporations providing the best cochlear implant surgery in India, their differences, and their advantages along with cochlear implant surgery cost​ so that you can be sure about the implant which works the best for you. 

Why is it important to choose the best Cochlear Implant for you?

In the case of patients with hearing loss, whether they are advised about a hearing aid or a cochlear implant, they want to go for their best shot at getting the device installed. However, in the case of Cochlear Implants, it is specifically more important to gather all the possible information and details about different brands and their characteristics, because of the simple fact that these implants are permanent. Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants can’t be worn on and off. Hence, the approach of the patients about to get a cochlear implant is different. They understand that by getting a cochlear implant, they are embarking upon a journey for a lifetime. This journey involves a commitment to a device planted into their ears. The patients who receive an implant are on a journey and experience which is unique to them, as only they are the ones who will experience the differences this device brings about in their lives. There is no return period or exchange option for the electrode array which is implanted, and hence, it is of utmost importance to make an informed decision and have confidence in it. 

Which brands provide the best quality Cochlear Implants?

In terms of the variety of brands, the case of cochlear implants is different as compared to Hearing Aids. While there are a lot of options to choose from in the case of hearing aids, cochlear implants, on the other hand, have three major brands which manufacture the highest quality of cochlear implant in India with supreme longevity and reliability. These brands include:

1. Med-El
2. Advanced Bionics
3. Cochlear™

All three of these brands have their own set of advantages which can suit different patients according to their lifestyle requirements and daily needs. Your audiologist can help you understand which device can work best for you. However, in order to kickstart your exploration of the best cochlear implant for you, let us discuss each of these implants, with their advantages and comparisons to aid your journey.

1.  Med- El

With its headquarters located in Innsbruck, Austria, Med-El is a company which has been making Cochlear Implants since 1977. Following its mission of helping people overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication, Med-El is now one of the leading Cochlear Implant manufacturers in the world with its hearing solutions available in more than 137 countries. With high customer satisfaction rates, Med-El implants have proven to be successful over the years, and thus is recommended by best cochlear implant surgeons in India​ .

2.  Advanced Bionics 

Advanced Bionics is one of the global leaders in providing ultimate solutions for patients affected with severe to profound hearing loss. It has implanted over 1,00,000 ears in more than 130 countries and garnered positive reviews and reputation because of its high-performing and advanced devices. Since its foundation in 1993, Advance Bionics has built a strong team of professionals including scientists, audiologists, engineers, and other professionals who have been striving to make hearing possible for patients with even the most severe cases of hearing loss, which makes it one of leading choices for cochlear implant surgery in India .

3. Cochlear™

The story of Cochlear Corporation started four decades ago with Professor Graeme Clark pioneering the world's first multi-channel cochlear implant, which paved the way for a new treatment of hearing loss. Since then, this corporation has helped thousands of people transform their lives with improved hearing. Cochlear Corporation was founded in 1984, and since then, it has been committed to providing the highest quality hearing solutions with advanced hearing technology. After so many years of operations, this corporation has instilled strong faith and built a good name for itself all across the world as a reliable and successful option for the best quality cochlear implants.

Now that you know about the origins and history of the biggest and most reliable names across the world in terms of hearing solutions and cochlear implants for cochlear implant surgery in India, it is time to discuss in more detail about the differences between these companies and their products, so as to decide as to which device suits you and your needs the best.

How to choose the best cochlear implant for you?

We understand that the process of choosing a cochlear implant can be very confusing and tiring for you, especially when you have not had any prior information about how these work and which are the options to choose from. However, the good news is that all of the above-mentioned implants significantly improve your hearing and are capable of transforming your life in the best way possible. The Internet can be your greatest friend in times of confusion like these. However, you need to be careful about paid and biased reviews and other posts which can limit your knowledge about best cochlear implant in India.

In general, you will find most of the people with a cochlear implant praising their cochlear implant, and having almost zero complaints. This is because, as stated above, all of these three cochlear implants are the leading and most trusted names across the world and are capable of tremendously increasing the hearing ability and quality of life of the patient. Each of these companies has its own set of specialties.  While Med-El was the first company to develop an implant and has developed certain features which are not present in the other brands, including MRI-safe magnets, its design and lack of onboard controls are something that many users feel can be improved. Similarly, Cochlear Corporation has garnered a lot of attention because of its features like direct-to-iPhone connectivity, smaller implants, and lighter weight, along with waterproof aqua-cases. The strength of Advanced Bionics lies in the wide range of options it provides. It includes onboard controls, different microphone configurations, and a wide range of accessories. It also easily pairs up with hearing aids, in case it is required.

Here are some more criteria's you can consider while choosing the ideal cochlear implant:

1. Device Performance:  All of the above three companies have a good history of creating high-performing devices, with reliable and long-term performance.
2. Advanced Technology: With the latest advancements in technology and healthcare, more sleek, lightweight, and advanced devices have been developed by these manufacturers to serve the patients better and make their experience more smooth and hassle-free.
3. Preference of the Patient: In order to make an informed decision about cochlear implant surgery in India, patients should be encouraged to gather more information about these implants and their manufacturers, so as to understand their devices better and make an informed decision according to their own specific needs.
4. Easy to use: There are some patients who might be suffering from certain other conditions. Implants should suit their specific needs and make sure that they are easy to use by the patient and cater to their specific needs.                  

Here are some practical steps that you can take while exploring the options for the best cochlear implant for you or your loved ones:

1. Try interacting with other patients and their families who have already taken these implants to learn about their experiences with the implants.
2. Talk to cochlear implant surgeon near me and audiologists who implant these devices, in order to know their experiences and patient satisfaction levels with these implants.                                   
3. Cosmetic features of an implant must also be taken into consideration as it is to be worn permanently. The size of the speech processor and its proper fitting should be kept in mind.
4. The reliability and build quality of both the internal and external parts of the implant should be top-notch.
5. The types of batteries used in the device and the battery life must be checked properly. It should be easy to tell when the batteries are getting discharged and whether they can be charged or not.

If you are looking for best cochlear implant surgeon in Chandigarh, you have landed on the right place. At Sohana Hospital Mohali, our team of experienced doctors and expert audiologists provides the best and the most comprehensive treatment for all kinds of hearing loss, with advanced technology and compassionate care. We have all the latest and world-class options for cochlear implants for both adults and children. With three decades of trust and care, we are committed to providing every individual the ease of hearing and learning that they deserve!