A cochlear implant (CI) is an advanced hearing aid used to help severely hearing-impaired or deaf people perceive sound again. Unlike conventional hearing aids, which only amplify sound, a cochlear implant converts sounds into electrical signals that are sent directly to the auditory nerve. This makes it possible for people with damaged inner ears, where the hair cells that normally convert sound vibrations into electrical signals are missing or malfunctioning, to hear again.
How Does a Cochlear Implant Work?
The operation of a cochlear implant is the result of a combination of technology and medical expertise. The implant consists of an external and an internal part, which work together to send sounds to the auditory nerve.
- External Part: This part of the implant contains a microphone, a speech processor and a transmitter. The microphone picks up sounds from the environment, which are then converted into digital signals by the speech processor. These signals are sent to the transmitter, which is placed on the skin, near the internal part of the implant.
- Internal Part: The internal part consists of a receiver and an electrode wire placed in the cochlea (the cochlea). The receiver receives signals from the transmitter and converts them into electrical impulses. These impulses are sent via the electrode wire directly to the auditory nerve, which then carries the signals to the brain where they are interpreted as sound.
Thus, the cochlear implant bypasses the damaged or non-functioning part of the inner ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve. This allows people with severe hearing loss, who get little to no benefit from hearing aids, to still perceive and understand sounds.
For whom is a Cochlear Implant Suitable?
Not everyone with hearing loss is eligible for a cochlear implant. It is primarily intended for people with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells in the cochlea, which prevents sounds from being properly converted into electrical signals for the auditory nerve.
Eligibility criteria:
- Severe Hearing Loss: People who have severe to profound hearing loss in both ears and where hearing aids do not provide sufficient improvement are eligible for a cochlear implant. In children, an early diagnosis is often made, and if hearing aids prove ineffective, a CI may be considered at an early age.
- Motivation and Expectations: Candidates must be motivated to complete the intensive rehabilitation required after implantation. This includes hearing training and speech therapy. The expectations of the patient and those around them must be realistic; a CI can improve hearing, but it is not a panacea that restores normal hearing.
- Medical Considerations: Not everyone is medically suitable for a cochlear implant. Individuals with certain anatomical abnormalities or medical conditions that make surgery risky may not be able to receive a CI. A comprehensive medical evaluation, including imaging studies and hearing tests, is necessary to determine if a candidate is suitable.
- Age: There is no specific age limit for cochlear implantation. Both children and adults can benefit from a CI. For children, early implantation is often beneficial because it can support the development of speech and language skills.
The Maintenance of a Cochlear Implant
A cochlear implant is a complex device that requires regular maintenance to maintain optimal function. Below we discuss the most important aspects of maintenance.
1. Daily Maintenance of the External Part.
The external part of the cochlear implant, including the speech processor, microphone and transmitter, requires daily maintenance:
- Cleaning: The speech processor and microphone should be cleaned daily with a dry, soft cloth. This prevents accumulation of dirt and earwax, which can affect implant performance.
- Checking Batteries: Most speech processors operate on rechargeable or disposable batteries. It is important to check the batteries daily and replace or recharge in a timely manner to ensure that the implant continues to function throughout the day. Look for all our batteries and chargers in our web shop.
- Housing and Cables: Periodically inspect the housing and cables of the speech processor for signs of wear or damage. Damaged cables or housings can reduce implant performance or even lead to complete loss of function.
2. Protection from Water and Dust
Although many cochlear implants today offer some degree of water resistance, it is important to be careful about exposure to water and dust:
- Use of Waterproof Accessories: For activities such as swimming or showering, special waterproof accessories are available that protect the implant from moisture.
- Avoiding Dust and Sand: In environments with a lot of dust or sand, such as the beach, it is wise to provide extra protection or temporarily remove the implant to prevent damage.
3. Storage and Transportation
When the cochlear implant is not in use, it must be stored properly:
- Dry Box: Use a dry box or dehumidifier to store the speech processor overnight. This helps remove moisture that has accumulated during the day, which can prevent corrosion and extend the life of the device. Look for all our drying systems in our web shop.
- Safe Transportation: Use a protective case or bag to transport the implant. This prevents damage during travel and protects the device from bumps and drops.
4. Regular Checks
To ensure that the cochlear implant continues to function optimally, regular checkups by an audiologist are essential:
- Annual Review: At least once a year, the implant should be reviewed by an audiologist. This review includes a check of speech processor settings and an evaluation of implant performance.
- Adjustments: As the user’s hearing changes, it may be necessary to adjust the settings of the speech processor. These adjustments are made by an audiologist and are essential to maintain the best hearing outcomes.
- Replacement of Parts: Under certain circumstances, parts of the cochlear implant may wear out and need to be replaced. This can range from replacing cables to upgrading the speech processor.
Conclusion
A cochlear implant is a revolutionary tool for people with severe hearing loss who cannot be helped with traditional hearing aids. It works by converting sounds into electrical signals sent directly to the auditory nerve, allowing the user to perceive sound again. The implant is suitable for people with severe sensorineural hearing loss, and the decision to get a CI depends on several factors such as degree of hearing loss, medical eligibility, and motivation.
Maintenance of a cochlear implant is essential for its optimal function and longevity. Daily cleaning, protection from water and dust, and regular checkups with the audiologist are crucial steps to ensure that the implant continues to function properly.
With proper care and maintenance, a cochlear implant can significantly improve the quality of life by giving people the ability to hear again and actively participate in society.
