Cochlear implants differ greatly from the BAHA in that the recipients of a cochlear implant must have a severe to profound sensorineural (nerve type) hearing loss and find that traditional hearing aids do not help.
These individuals find that even with hearing aids, they:
*Have to ask others to repeat conversation in one-on-one even in quiet surroundings.
*Have difficulty understanding relatives or close friends on the telephone.
*Depend on lip reading to understand conversation.
*Have difficulty following conversation while dining in restaurants.
*Avoid social activities because they can't hear what is being discussed and are afraid of responding inappropriately to the conversation.
*Watch only close-captioned television programs.
*Can no longer hear the birds sing.
A cochlear implant does not make sounds louder, but instead, bypasses the damaged part of the ear and sends an electrical signal directly to the hearing nerve to provide a clearer understanding of sound and speech.
Many people can use a hearing aid and cochlear implant at the same time on opposite ears.
The cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device. The surgery usually takes anywhere from 1-3 hours and is most often done on an outpatient basis.
A cochlear implant will not inhibit the recipient from daily activity and active lifestyle. Enhanced battery life and water-resistant quality of some processors allow users to enjoy many activities.
If you or someone you know is interested in a cochlear implant, please contact one of our audiologists for more information, or schedule a consultation with Dr. Aaron Benson of Toledo ENT Inc.
Toledo Audiology : 419-578-7557
Toledo ENT: 419-578-7555
