How do cochlear implants work?
- Posted on: Jan 15 2020
What is a cochlear implant?
The professionals at The ENT and Allergy Centers of Texas describe cochlear implants as a special electronic device that can provide sound to a patient who has severe hearing loss. This implant is placed during surgery to bypass the ear. It does not restore normal hearing. Instead, it gives a patient who is hard of hearing a representation of sounds in their environment. It is different from a hearing aid, which amplifies sound. Instead, it bypasses the ear and stimulates the auditory nerve, which sends signals of sounds to the brain. The cochlear implant continues to be an effective solution for those who have severe hearing loss or for those who are deaf. It can be used in both children and adults.
How does the cochlear implant work?
The cochair implant focuses more on providing electrical impulses that are sent through the auditory nerve to the brain to provide signals as sound. It is surgically placed above the ear and includes both internal and external parts. The cochlear implant can be extremely beneficial to patients who are dear or are hard of hearing.
Who is a good candidate for a cochlear implant?
Patients with mild hearing loss may still benefit from a traditional hearing aid. However, children and adults with severe hearing loss or deafness might consider placing a cochlear implant to improve their interpretation of sound in their surrounding environment. These implants were approved by the FDA in the 1980s and continue to be recommended for those who qualify.
Are you interested in discussing the possibility of placing a cochlear implant with our professionals?
Contact The ENT and Allergy Centers of Texas today by calling (972) 984-1050 and learning more about this and other tools available for improving your hearing! Our doctors can assist patients in and of our several locations in the communities of McKinney, Allen, Plano, and Celina, Texas.
Posted in: Ear
