Implantable Hearing Devices

Cochlear and auditory implants provide alternative ways to perceive sound for those with severe hearing loss. These devices bypass damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.

Types of Hearing Implants:

• Cochlear Implants stimulate the auditory nerve using electrodes placed in the inner ear’s cochlea. They have both external and internal components. The external parts sit behind the ear, where a microphone captures sound to send to the inner implant, which converts these sounds into electrical signals sent to the brain.

• Auditory Brainstem Implants are similar to cochlear implants but bypass the cochlea and directly stimulate the brainstem. This implant type is used when the auditory nerve is damaged or absent.

While hearing aids amplify sound to help individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, cochlear and auditory brainstem implants work differently. Instead of simply making sounds louder, these implants bypass the damaged parts of the ear, directly stimulating the auditory nerve or brainstem. This approach can be more effective for those with severe sensorineural hearing loss, where traditional hearing aids provide little benefit.

Cochlear and auditory brainstem implants offer unique advantages for many suffering from severe hearing loss by directly stimulating the nerve and bypassing damaged parts of the inner ear. This direct stimulation can enhance sound perception and, with time, help users better understand speech and recognize the sounds of their environment.

As users become more familiar with their technology, they often report improved quality of life, allowing them to reconnect with their surroundings and confidently engage in conversations.

Getting a hearing implant is a significant decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. At Pinnacle ENT, we’ll help you determine if an implant is right for you.

Common Considerations for Hearing Implants:

• If you’ve tried and had little success with hearing aids, implants may provide better results.
• Difficulty understanding speech, missing more than half the words spoken to you, or relying heavily on lip reading, even with hearing aids, could indicate the need for an implant.
• For those with severe sensorineural hearing loss, implants may help to better manage hearing loss due to damage to the inner ear.

Because each case of hearing loss is different, our integrated medical team will work with you to select the correct type of implant based on your specific condition and physical needs.

Cochlear implants are typically recommended for individuals with severe hearing loss and a functional auditory nerve. However, implants might not be effective if certain symptoms or conditions make treatment harmful to the patient, such as:

• A severe skull fracture
• A small or absent auditory nerve
• Incompatible ear anatomy
• Conditions like neurofibromatosis type II (NF2)

In these cases, our team of medical specialists will evaluate you for auditory brainstem implants (ABI) as they can bypass the cochlea and auditory nerve.

Cochlear implants are approved for children as young as 12 months old, making them a powerful tool, even for young children. Early implantation can give children access to sound during the critical years when speech and language are developed.

The Advantages of Early Cochlear Implants for Young Children:

• Improved Speech and Language Skills: Early access to sound helps children develop language skills at rates similar to their hearing peers.

• Better Social Interaction: Early hearing intervention can enhance communication and improve social interactions and relationships.

• Success in Mainstream Education: Children with cochlear implants often thrive in regular educational settings alongside their hearing peers.