Cochlear implants are a life-changing process, allowing people with severe hearing loss a way to hear and understand speech and sounds better than they can with a hearing aid. Often when hearing aids are no longer providing adequate benefit to a person with hearing loss, a cochlear implant can be the next logical step.
At Sonora Hearing Care, LLC, part of the trusted Tucson Audiology community, Dr. Cristi Moore, a leading audiologist, works closely with patients to determine the right treatment path. One common question Dr. Moore often hears from people considering a cochlear implant is: “Is this brain surgery?”
The answer is: No, cochlear implant surgery is not brain surgery.
What Type of Surgery Is It?
A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device that bypasses damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve, sending signals to the brain for sound perception.
Where the Surgery Takes Place:
The procedure involves making a small incision behind the ear, accessing the mastoid bone, and then inserting the electrode array into the cochlea. The electrode array replaces the inner ear hair cells in the cochlea, which no longer function to deliver sound via the auditory nerve to the brain.
The Implant’s Components:
Cochlear implants have two main parts:
- An internal receiver-stimulator, placed under the skin behind the ear
- An external microphone, speech processor, and transmitter worn outside the ear
Why It’s Not Brain Surgery:
This surgery focuses solely on the inner ear and auditory nerve. The brain is not operated on or physically accessed during the procedure.
Outpatient Procedure:
Cochlear implant surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure. Patients typically go home the same day or stay overnight for observation—another reason why Tucson audiology experts like Dr. Cristi Moore often reassure patients it’s a safe and straightforward process.
Recovery and Activation:
Recovery usually takes one to two weeks. After surgery, patients participate in therapy to learn how to interpret the sounds from the implant. At our clinic, the external sound processor is typically activated around 4 weeks after the procedure. During this activation appointment, we “map” the processor to personalize sound perception and comfort.
The Evaluation Process:
Getting a cochlear implant starts with a comprehensive hearing test. A person must meet certain criteria, such as:
- A pure tone average of 60dB (500 Hz, 1K Hz, and 2K Hz) in each ear
- Word understanding scores of 60% or less using standardized recognition tests
Aided speech testing is then performed using properly programmed hearing aids. If word recognition or sentence understanding in quiet or noise is below 60%, a patient may qualify for a cochlear implant under FDA guidelines and most insurance policies.
Is There an Age Limit?
Another common question: Is there an age limit for cochlear implants? While there are minimum age requirements(usually 9 months to 1 year old for children), there is no upper age limit. As long as a person is in good health, can undergo surgery, and has appropriate post-surgery support, age is not a barrier.
Post-Activation and Support:
Once the implant is activated, follow-up appointments are scheduled at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. During these visits, mapping and testing are performed, and patients are guided through listening exercises.
Support is also provided through cochlear implant manufacturers and through Sonora Hearing Care’s Tucson audiology clinic, led by Dr. Cristi Moore.
A Life-Changing Option:
Cochlear implants are an excellent solution for people with significant hearing loss when hearing aids are no longer effective. The surgery and aftercare are typically covered by most insurance plans, excluding deductibles or co-insurance.
📞 Want to learn more?
If you or a loved one is considering a cochlear implant, contact Sonora Hearing Care, LLC at 520-881-8740 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cristi Moore, Tucson’s trusted audiologist.