Hearing implants refer to hearing devices that are typically implanted into the ear. Depending on the cause and the type of hearing loss, the most relevant hearing implant is chosen. Hearing implants are considered when hearing aids aren’t benefiting the person anymore. The common types of hearing implants are:
Cochlear implants (CI)
Bone conduction devices
Middle ear implants (MEI)
Auditory brain stem implants (ABI)
What is a Cochlear Implant?
Cochlear implants are surgically implanted electronic devices designed to improve the ability to hear. Cochlear implants are recommended for those with severe hearing loss or someone whose hearing aid is no longer beneficial. Although your hearing won’t be restored you may partially be able to hear again.
What is a hearing aid?
Hearing aids are small electronic devices specifically designed to amplify sounds going into the ear. Your hearing healthcare professional may prescribe it after a hearing evaluation. Hearing aids work best for children and people who have mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss.
Cochlear Implants vs. Hearing Aids
One of the major differences between hearing aids and cochlear implants is that a hearing aid can easily be taken off while cochlear implants are permanently attached. Patients will undergo surgery to have a cochlear implant. Hearing aids are more suitable for those with mild-to-severe hearing loss, whereas cochlear implants are more suited for those with profound hearing loss. Another difference is that while hearing aids amplify sounds, cochlear implants provide a sense of sound. Depending on your type of hearing loss, your audiologist will determine which device is more suitable for you.
Cochlear Implants stimulate the auditory nerve to provide the sensation of sound for those who are deaf or severely hard of hearing. Hearing aids are removable and are used to amplify sound for people with residual hearing. They are taken in and out of the ear canal by the user.
Cochlear implants directly stimulate the part of the ear that doesn’t work by using a mild electrical current applied to the structures in the cochlea. A cochlear implant can help adults and children with severe hearing loss who cannot understand speech even with powerful hearing aids.
Risks and Complications of Cochlear Implant Surgery
Cochlear implant surgery is a safe procedure; however, all surgeries carry risks including:
Bleeding
Swelling
Infection around the implant
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Dizziness and vertigo
Numbness around the ear
Changes in taste
Dry mouth
Injury to the facial nerve, which can cause movement problems in the face
Leakage of spinal fluid
Infection of the membrane that covers the brain (meningitis)
Risks regarding general anesthesia
Need to have the implant removed because of an infection
The benefits of hearing aids
One of the main benefits of hearing aids is that they are relatively noninvasive and easy to use. Since they don’t require surgery and can be easily adjusted to suit your ear. Hearing aids can also be programmed to filter out background noise and amplify specific frequencies, making it easier to hear in noisy environments. Another benefit is also that hearing aids are generally more affordable than cochlear implants.
How to Choose Between Hearing Aides or Cochlear Implants?
Hearing aids are a great option for those with mild-to-profound hearing loss. They amplify sound around them and make it easier to hear in a noisy environment. Cochlear implants are a great option for those with severe hearing loss. They bypass the eardrum and send sound directly to the inner ear and brain, this, of course, requires a surgical procedure. Both hearing solutions are successful for people with sensorineural hearing loss, which means their hair cells in the inner ear, nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain, or both. This is the most common form of hearing loss.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both cochlear implants and hearing aids serve as assistive devices for individuals with hearing loss, but they cater to different degrees and types of hearing impairment. Hearing aids, which amplify sounds, are suitable for those with mild-to-severe hearing loss. They are wearable electronic devices that increase the volume of certain sounds to enable a person with hearing loss to listen, communicate, and participate more fully in daily activities. On the other hand, cochlear implants, which require surgery, are used in situations where the person has very severe hearing loss or is profoundly deaf. These devices bypass the damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, providing a sensation of sound. Therefore, the choice between a cochlear implant and a hearing aid depends on the individual’s type and severity of hearing loss, and an audiologist can recommend the most suitable device.
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