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A cochlear implant is a device that can restore hearing and the ability to understand speech in people who suffer from hearing loss. Knowing how cochlear implants work can help people with hearing loss determine whether this may be an ideal and beneficial treatment.

What Are Cochlear Implants?

Also known as a “bionic ear,” a cochlear implant makes it easier for people with hearing loss to understand speech and hear words more clearly. It can also be used to treat and reduce tinnitus, which is ringing in the ear.

Cochlear implants consist of two main parts—the implant itself, which is surgically placed in the inner ear, and an external device worn on or near the ear. Both pieces connect to one another with a magnet.

How a Cochlear Implant Works

The external part of the cochlear implant worn outside of the inner ear is known as a sound processor. It sends incoming sounds to the implant inside of the ear.

The part of the cochlear implant in the inner ear uses electrical energy to stimulate the hearing nerve in people with hearing loss. This helps send the sounds picked up by the processor to the brain, where the sounds can be properly interpreted as speech, music, or something else.

Cochlear implants are completely different from hearing aids, which simply amplify sounds and make them louder. Instead, a cochlear implant helps improve the clarity of words and sounds so they can be understood by the person with hearing loss.

The Benefits of Cochlear Implants

Improving the ability to hear and understand speech is one of the greatest benefits of cochlear implants. Other benefits include:

  • Gradual improvement in hearing over several years.
  • Improved perception of a variety of sounds, such as the barking of dogs, rustling of leaves, and footsteps.
  • Understanding of speech without lip-reading.
  • Improved ability to make phone calls and recognize familiar voices over the telephone.
  • Improved ability to enjoy music.
  • Improved ability to watch and enjoy television.
  • Increased ability to learn, such as at school or work.
  • Increased safety, as cochlear implants, can make it easier to hear and interpret emergency sirens and other life-saving alerts.

Are You Too Old for Cochlear Implants?

Cochlear implants can benefit anyone of any age who is suffering from hearing loss—including adults over 60 years of age.

In a 2012 issue of the journal Medicine, researchers evaluated the benefits of cochlear implants in adults over the age of 60. They found that cochlear implantation in this age group consistently resulted in an improved ability to understand speech. They added that although older adults can benefit from cochlear implants at any age, they may experience greater benefits if they receive the implants as early on as possible. Regardless of age, a shorter length of time between hearing loss detection and treatment is key to improved hearing.
Sonora Hearing Care is devoted to working with you to protect your hearing and reduce your risk for hearing loss. Our audiologists can perform an evaluation to determine whether you can benefit from cochlear implants and can also order custom-fitting bluetooth hearing aids if necessary. Contact us today at (520) 881-8740 to request an appointment and to learn more about our many available hearing services.