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The Cochlear Implant Program

What is a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant is a specialized technology that allows individuals with severe to profound hearing loss to hear and understand sound. The cochlear implant electrically stimulates nerve cells in the inner ear (cochlea) which then sends a signal up the hearing nerve to the brain. In doing so, the cochlear implant bypasses the problem affecting people with severe to profound hearing loss that prevents them from benefiting from hearing aids.

How does a cochlear implant work?

There are two parts to a cochlear implant; an external component which consists of a microphone, speech processor and transmitter, and an internal component which consists of a receiver/stimulator and electrode array.

The implant works in the following way.

• The microphone picks up sound and sends it to the speech processor.
  
• The speech processor analyzes and codes the signal
  
• The coded signal is sent to the transmitter
  
• The transmitter sends the signal across the skin via a magnet to the internal receiver/stimulator
  
• The internal receiver /stimulator sends the signal to the electrode array in the cochlea
  
• The electrode array stimulates the auditory nerve and the signal is sent to the brain.

The internal component is placed by a surgical procedure and is in position at all times under the skin. After surgery, the external component is programmed for the patient. It is worn similar to a hearing aid with the person placing the external device in the morning and removing at night before going to bed. The external device is usually worn as an ear level processor that sits behind the ear, or for very young children, a body worn processor may be used.

Who is a potential candidate for a cochlear implant?

• Children and adults with severe to profound hearing loss in both ears
• Individuals who use speech as their primary communication mode and receive insufficient benefit from hearing aids
• Children 12 months (younger in some cases) to 18 years and adults of any age
• Children who have appropriate educational resources and family commitment to success with cochlear implant
• Individuals with appropriate expectations of the benefits of cochlear implants and understanding of necessary follow-up and therapy needed

What steps are necessary to be considered for a cochlear implant?

• Specialized hearing tests completed by the implant audiologist
• For children, speech and language assessment by the implant speech pathologist
• Consultation with the cochlear implant surgeon (otologist)
• Radiology evaluation of the inner ear (CT scan/ MRI scan)
• Specialty consultations for individuals with other medical, developmental problems as needed
• Medical evaluation and clearance for surgery by primary care physician

Click here to meet our cochlear implant team »