Cochlear implants, which differ from conventional hearing aids, which enhance sound, send audio signals directly to the auditory nerve (also known as the auditory nerve) through the damaged areas of the ear.
This device can be placed in the ears of people who have suffered from serious damage to the inner ear. They can be used to partially or completely restore hearing.
How Cochlear Implants Work?
Cochlear is an electronic device for processing sound and can be implanted in the back of your ear. The processor takes in audio signals and transmits signals to the receiver, which is placed under the skin in the area behind the ear.
These signals will be transmitted to the electrodes located inside the cochlea, which is the snail-shaped component inside the ear. The auditory nerve that is stimulated transmits these signals to the brain in order to understand them and provide the impression of hearing.
The most effective cochlear implant surgeons in Ahmedabad are used when there is severe inner ear damage. The child or individual needs time to become accustomed to these sounds, even though the sound may not be like the normal sounds.
However, in the majority of cases, they can be very beneficial. Individuals see substantial improvements in hearing and comprehension within a minimum of a year of instruction.
The Benefits of Cochlear Doctor in Ahmedabad and Who is the One to Benefits?
Cochlear implants are recommended if someone suffers from sensorineural hearing impairment (single-sided or bilateral). Children and adults who cannot communicate properly may benefit from these implants.
Similar to any other condition, cochlear implants can be beneficial when the hearing problem is detected in the first stages of early childhood. The earlier, the better!
Keep reading to find out the benefits of cochlear implants and the advantages and disadvantages of them.
- The earlier the implanting, the better the outcomes for children, particularly when they are implanted between 12-18 months old, since this is the time that children learn.
- There isn’t a specific time frame for those who have experienced hearing loss that is bilateral or unilateral.
- An ENT specialist in Ahmedabad will examine the initial psychocognitive test results for adults and then decide on the next steps.
- If a person has experienced hearing loss that was bilateral during the same time frame, the hearing loss will be treated with one implant. The first one will be inserted first, while the second will require some months (sometimes years) to be inserted.
Why is it not for Anyone?
With the wide-ranging benefits of cochlear implants, it in fact, an ideal solution for both adults and children who suffer from hearing loss. But it is a decision that is dependent on a variety of factors. The ear specialist can exclude this method in the following situations.
- The ENT surgeons are able to treat the damaged ear, but when the auditory nerve has been damaged, this device falls short. But, alternatives like brainstem implants are used in these cases.
- If the health of the person does not permit him/her to undergo the procedure, it’s not feasible to use implants.
- The Cochlear implant alone is not enough to restore the hearing of an individual. It is necessary to attend training regularly, and support from the ENT clinic and even the family members will be crucial throughout the process.
What are the Benefits of Cochlear Implants?
- Children’s speech ability can be significantly improved through training sessions that incorporate the study of sign language, lip reading, as well as sessions to improve speech comprehension and communication.
- A lot of children show improvement in their listening skills, and their learning and development skills increase too.
- The individual can manage his or her tone and tone, and better communicate with others.
- The listener can hear sounds with no difficulties, and this includes the sounds that are low to medium.
What are the Cons?
As with any surgical procedure that’s performed to improve the life skills of a person, like hearing, speech, and cochlear implants, come with a few pros.
- Implants may affect the facial nerve in the facial area
- A few people have reported hearing that their ears ring (tinnitus)
- A few experience a reduced balance function.
- Implant maintenance is a continuous procedure
Conclusion
The outcomes of cochlear implants are different from individual to individual based on how severe the damage to the inner ear is. Through a thorough diagnosis carried out by the top ENT specialist in Ahmedabad at an advanced and fully-equipped ENT hospital called Evara Hospital, a cochlear implant in Ahmedabad can have a profound impact on your life!