As an ENT surgeon, I specialize in cochlear implant surgery and often get asked what cochlear implants are and who they are suitable for. In this blog post, I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of cochlear implants, how they work, and who can benefit from them.
What are Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implants are electronic devices designed to help people with severe or profound hearing loss to hear sound. Unlike hearing aids that amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass the damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, which sends sound signals to the brain.
How Do Cochlear Implants Work?
Cochlear implants consist of two parts: an internal part that’s surgically implanted under the skin behind the ear, and an external part that sits on the ear and picks up sound. The external part captures sound and sends it to the internal part through a transmitter.
The internal part has a receiver that receives the sound signals and sends them to a series of electrodes that are surgically placed in the cochlea (inner ear). The electrodes stimulate the auditory nerve fibers, which send the signals to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.
Who Can Benefit from Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implants are designed for people with severe or profound hearing loss who cannot benefit from conventional hearing aids. They are suitable for people of all ages, from infants to seniors, who have a functioning auditory nerve.
Cochlear implants are particularly beneficial for people with sensorineural hearing loss, a type of hearing loss caused by damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. They are also helpful for people with mixed hearing loss, a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
Conclusion
Cochlear implants are a highly effective treatment option for people with severe or profound hearing loss who cannot benefit from hearing aids. They work by bypassing the damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulating the auditory nerve. If you or someone you know is struggling with hearing loss, cochlear implants may be a viable solution. Schedule a consultation with a qualified ENT surgeon to learn more about cochlear implant surgery and how it can benefit you.
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