ENT for Children specializes in cochlear implants and have helped thousands of children live normal, healthy and happy lives. In this post, we take a look at the difference between cochlear implants and hearing aids.
What is the Difference Between Cochlear Implants and Hearing Aids?
Cochlear implants are similar to hearing aids in that they are small electronic devices designed to help children (and adults) with hearing loss. They typically restore hearing to a normal functioning range. Cochlear implants are designed to provide a sense of hearing in children who are severely or profoundly hearing impaired. Cochlear implants achieve this by directly, electrically stimulating the hearing nerve. Hearing aids simply amplify (make it louder) the sound.
Which Children Can Use Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implants are for children who do not receive enough benefit from hearing aids. Cochlear implants are routinely implanted in children down to 6 months of age and in an increasing range of hearing loss types. Children may continue to wear a hearing aid in the ear opposite the cochlear implant. Even children with single sided deafness (normal hearing in the opposite ear) may be a candidate for a cochlear implant.
Cochlear Implants: How do they Work in Your Child?
Hearing aids amplify sound for hearing, they simply make it louder. Cochlear implants are different, they take sounds from the environment and convert them into a digital signal that allows for direct stimulation of the auditory nerve. The implant is bypassing the normal function of the cochlea (the inner ear). The stimulated auditory nerve then passes those signals on to the brain which recognizes those signals as sound.
As the name suggests, cochlear implants require skilled surgery. The receiver stimulator is the most delicate part of cochlear implants and is implanted under the skin near the ear. The microphone and processor sit behind the ear, like a hearing aid, to transmit signals to the receiver. Most children live normal lives even though the processor/microphone is visible. For example, swimming and other sports activities can still be enjoyed!
Cochlear implants allow children to hear, speak, have conversations and understand the sounds around them. Children with cochlear implants who consistently engage in speech therapy and wear their device, typically have completely normal voices. Consistent speech therapy with an Auditory Verbal Therapist (AVT) is a critical portion of a child’s rehabilitation after a cochlear implant to allow for the development of normal speech.
Will a Cochlear Implant Suit My Child?
Early intervention is critical in the development of spoken language for children with hearing loss. Our audiologists specialize in hearing loss testing in infants and children of all ages. Only through testing can it be determined if your child is a candidate for a cochlear implant. However, as we have mentioned, we have helped many thousands of children with little to no hearing. Children with cochlear implants learn to hear in a new way and develop normally alongside their classmate.
Like all technologies, cochlear implants are improving all the time. Talk directly with us about the options we offer and let’s get your child living a normal life. The future is bright for your child suffering severe hearing loss or even those born deaf with our experience and proven track record.
If you would like to know more, please make an appointment with us. Make sure you read our appointments page carefully and bring all the required documents. Call for your first appointment.