Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide, the impact can be particularly significant for the people who have severe to profound hearing loss. Hearing aids are commonly associated with how we manage hearing loss, just like spectacles commonly associated with short or long-sighted individuals. However, sometimes, hearing aid might not be enough to provide the benefits to an individual with severe to profound hearing loss. They might only hear sound but still could not understand what we have said to him or her. In this newsletter, we will explore the alternative solution for this situation, which is cochlea implant.  

What Is Cochlear Implant:  

A cochlear implant is a small electronic medical device designed to help patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants provide direct electrical stimulation to the hearing nerve, allowing individuals with severe to profound hearing loss to perceive sound more effectively  

How It Works:  

External Component: Placed behind the ear, just like a hearing aid. It consists of a microphone that captures sound waves. The speech processor will then analyze these sounds, converting them into digital signals.  

Internal Component: It is implanted beneath the skin; it houses a receiver connected to electrodes. When the receiver receives digital signals (mentioned above) from the external processor, it transforms them into electrical impulses, stimulating the hearing nerve.  

Stimulation from the hearing nerve will send a signal to the brain. The brain interprets these impulses, resulting in a sense of hearing. However, it is important to note that cochlear implant sounds differ from normal hearing, speech therapy, training and rehabilitation for proper interpretation is required after the implantation   

Who Will Benefits from Cochlear Implant?:  

Cochlear implants are suitable for those with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in one or both ears and reduced speech understanding or did not get benefits from hearing aid. Besides, medical evaluation from specialists also needed to evaluate the candidacy for cochlea implant. 

Extensive Therapy and Training:  

Successfully using a cochlear implant requires commitment to therapy and training. Learning to interpret unique sounds takes time and effort.  

Benefits Of Cochlear Implant:  

Improved speech understanding, better sound localization, and enhanced communication in noisy environments, improve quality of life.  

Conclusion  

Cochlear implants are a remarkable advancement in hearing technology. They allow individuals to reconnect with the world of sound, communication, independence, and a richer life experience. If you or someone you know faces severe to profound hearing loss, and hearing aid is not beneficial, you may seek us for a free cochlear implant consultation.  

Remark: Each individual with hearing loss is unique in his or her hearing journey. Seek for a professional consultation to understand more about your or your important others’ hearing journey. Don't wait—take the first step towards better hearing today! 

Ng Song Yin, Clinical Audiologist at 20dB Hearing  

Sources:  

1. Forbes Health: Best Hearing Aids For Profound Hearing Loss  

2. Hearing Choices: Sensorineural Hearing Loss - Symptoms and Treatment Options  

3. Healthy Hearing: Types of Hearing Loss & Facts  

4. Hearing Aid UK: Types of Hearing Loss