Cochlear Implants
Cochlear Implant Program
The ENT & Allergy Centers of Texas is proud to offer the option of a cochlear implant for eligible patients. The Cochlear Implant Team is a group of hearing specialists who provide diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services in all areas of cochlear implantation. The group consists of the following:
- Neurotologic surgeons
- Audiologists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Ppsychologists.
What is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant has an external processor and then an internal processor which is surgically implanted. The surgically implanted device bypasses the damaged hair cells in the cochlea to stimulate the hearing nerve directly. The behind-the-ear (external) sound processor has tiny microphones that pick up the sound and convert it into digital signals. For those with moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears, receiving little or no benefit from hearing aids. Cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve making sounds louder and clearer.
How Does The Cochlear Implant Work?
The implant is under the skin behind the ear and receives digital signals from the sound processor. These signals are sent to the auditory nerve and are interpreted as sound. The use of cochlear implants for the treatment of severe to profound hearing loss has had significant advancements since the initial implants placed by Dr. William House in the 1960s.
What Is A Hybrid Cochlear Implant?
Traditional hearing aids don’t always work for people with severe high frequency hearing loss. The answer is a hybrid cochlear implant. This type of implant uses the acoustic amplification of the hearing aid to improve low frequency hearing, and uses the electrical stimulation of the cochlear implant for higher frequency hearing. The hybrid cochlear implant is different from the cochlear implant in its design. The electrode array is much shorter in this implant so it doesn’t go as far into the inner ear.
Benefit Of A Hybrid Cochlear Implant
For people with relatively good hearing (mild hearing loss) in the lower frequencies with more significant (severe) hearing loss in the higher frequencies may be a candidate for a hybrid cochlear implant. This unique combination of two proven technologies — acoustic amplification and cochlear implant technology—in one device.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about cochlear implants, call 972.984.1050 to schedule a consultation. ENT & Allergy Centers of Texas serves McKinney, Allen, Plano, Celina and surrounding areas.
