Common Questions

1.) How is a cochlear implant different from a hearing aid?
Hearing aids amplify sound and send it through the auditory system. For some people with severe and profound sensorineural hearing loss, the inner ear is significantly damaged, and doesn’t effectively send sound information to the brain. For these people, hearing aids are of limited benefit. Cochlear implants bypass the damaged inner ear, and directly stimulate the hearing nerve. Hearing aids are worn externally on the ear or in the ear canal, while cochlear implants have both external parts as well as surgically implanted internal components. Hearing aids are worn by people with mild, moderate, severe and profound hearing loss. Cochlear implants are for people with bilateral severe to profound hearing loss. Neither hearing aids nor cochlear implants “cure” hearing loss or deafness, or restore hearing to normal. Both can help people to hear better, and can improve quality of life for the people who wear them and their families.

2.) Is there an age criteria for cochlear implants?
Children as young as twelve months, and adults of any age may be candidates for cochlear implants.

3.) How do I know if I or a loved one can benefit from an implant?
An evaluation at a cochlear implant center is required to determine candidacy. If you or a loved one has a severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears, contact a cochlear implant center – a facility that specializes in cochlear implants - for an evaluation.

4.) I hear better with my hearing aids than without, but I still have a lot of difficulty hearing and understanding in many situations. Would I be a candidate?
You may be, if the outcome of your cochlear implant evaluation establishes that you may hear better with an implant. It’s important to be evaluated at a cochlear implant center, by professionals who specialize in cochlear implants, to determine if you are a candidate. They’ll perform the latest tests and use the most up to date criteria to ascertain eligibility.

5.) Is cochlear implant surgery considered safe?
Cochlear implant surgery is performed thousands of times a year all over the world. It is approved by the FDA and covered by Medicare (for eligible candidates) and most insurance plans because of its safety and effectiveness. Most patients are released from the hospital the same day or the next day and resume working and daily activities within a few days.

Risk is a possibility with most surgeries.  During your pre-implant evaluations, your doctor will discuss the risks of cochlear implant surgery in regard to your specific circumstances.  Some of the topics that may be discussed include:

• Minimal discomfort or tenderness at the incision site can occur following surgery.  This usually lasts a short time.  If needed, pain medication may be recommended.
• Any surgery carries the risk of infection.  While most people don't have a problem, your doctor will give you signs to look for should your skin wound become infected and provide prompt medical treatment.
• Although uncommon, there is a possibility of numbness around the ear, taste disturbances, balance issues, and/or injury to the facial nerve.  These are risks associated with many types of ear surgeries, and if they occur, tend to be temporary.
• People with cochlear implants appear to be at some increased risk for bacterial meningitis. It is important to review your immunization records and discuss the recommended vaccinations for people with cochlear implants with your physician prior to surgery.
• Anesthesia complications. For most people, the risk of general anesthesia is very low, however, this will be discussed with you during your pre-implant appointments.
•  Other risks are possible and will be discussed with you by your surgeon and cochlear implant team.

6.) Are there different types of cochlear implants?
Yes, there are three cochlear implant device manufacturers – Advanced Bionics, Cochlear Americas and Med-el. You can find more information about these manufacturers and their products by visiting their web channels at Healthy Hearing.com or their websites. Your cochlear implant team will also provide you with information about each device and help you decide which may be best for you.

7.) If I get a cochlear implant in one ear, will I still need a hearing aid in the other ear?
This question should be addressed on an individual basis with your cochlear implant audiologist. If you currently wear a hearing aid in the ear that will not be implanted, it is usually recommended to continue wearing it after you get an implant. This way, you get the advantage of hearing from both ears. For some people, however, a hearing aid in the non-implanted ear may not be beneficial or may interfere with hearing and understanding with the cochlear implant. Your audiologist can advise you on what would be best for you.

8.) If I get a cochlear implant, will I be able to use the phone?
More and more people with cochlear implants are able to understand speech without lipreading, such as on the telephone. However, individual results vary. Each person’s hearing history contributes to their benefit with an implant. People who heard and understood speech prior to getting an implant, such as people with a progressive hearing loss, find it easier to understand speech with the implant as compared to people who have never heard speech or have had a longstanding severe to profound hearing loss. No matter what your hearing history may be, practice with the implant and rehabilitation (either self-study or with a professional) are needed to get the most benefit. While most people with cochlear implants can learn to hear on the telephone with patience and practice, your cochlear implant audiologist will help determine if this is a likely potential outcome for you.

9.) Will I be able to lead my active lifestyle with a cochlear implant?
Yes – most people wearing cochlear implants lead very active lives. Daily activities, working out, swimming and most sports can be enjoyed just as before your implant – either with the external processor worn or removed. A few activities may be contraindicated – usually those with a high risk of hard blows to the head. Your doctor and cochlear implant team will discuss your hobbies and lifestyle and advise you in this regard.

10.) Where can I get more information?
Visit the information pages of the leading cochlear implant manufacturers, Cochlear Americas and Advanced Bionics, right here on HealthyHearing.com for the latest information on this exciting technology, and the features and benefits of their latest products!