Cayman Hearing Center Electronic Implants

Cochlear Devices 

Millions of people across the globe are affected by hearing loss no matter how old they are. The most common solution for addressing hearing challenges are hearing aids. 

In some cases, hearing aids do not adequately address hearing loss and doctors of audiology have to turn to other devices, known as electronic implants in order to provide additional assistance or an alternate form of assistance. 

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The implant most people are familiar with is the Cochlear Implant. 

The primary benefit provided by a cochlear implant is to elevate speech and language processing for children from six to twelve-years-old. However, adolescents and some adults can also take advantage of them, whether used to address single sided deafness (unilateral) or profound hearing loss in both ears (bilateral). 

The technology has been around for about 50 years, but most people don’t really understand what cochlear implant is and what it does. 

Quick Facts About Cochlear Implants 

Fact 1

Cochlear implants gained FDA approval in the 1970s as a means of facilitating a higher level of hearing clarity for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss.  

Fact 2

Like other electronic devices, digital technology has had a significant impact on the processing and performance capacities of hearing implants. 

Fact 3

A cochlear implant includes two separate components: an internal electrode inserted into the cochlea and a processing unit that rests behind the ear like a hearing aid. 

Fact 4

Cochlear implants bypass the auditory system (ear canal, middle ear, and inner ear) in order to transmit sound directly to the auditory nerve. 

Fact 5

Cochlear implants do not cure deafness, but along with hearing aids, or in place of hearing aids, they often provide the best solution to overcome certain hearing loss challenges.

Learn More About Our Tailored Earplug Fittings

Regardless of whether you are using them for hearing aids, hearing protection, swimming, or to get a good night’s sleep, you get better noise management and a more secure fit with personalized earmolds and earplugs.

Find out more about how you can enjoy increased comfort and performance from Cayman Hearing Center’s custom-fit earmolds and earbuds by using the adjacent form.

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FAQs

About Cochlear Implants

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What happens during implant surgery?

Implanting a bone-anchored hearing device is a 15-minute outpatient surgical procedure that uses local anesthesia. It involves the insertion of a small titanium plate (3–4 mm) into the mastoid bone through a small incision behind the ear.

The external processor attaches to the titanium implant by means of an abutment that sticks out through the skin or via a built-in magnet. Many surgeons use MIPS (minimally invasive Ponto surgery) to reduce complications because it doesn’t require suturing, eliminates scarring, and fosters rapid healing.

Can you hear right away?

Before the external device can be attached to the implanted device, the area around the incision will need time to heal. This can take from 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the type of procedure used to install the implant.

Once the external device can be attached, it is programmed and tested by your audiologist to make sure that it provides adequate support for your specific hearing loss. Similar to acoustic hearing aids, there may be some adjustments needed as the patient gets accustomed to hearing the processed sounds.

Can a bone-anchored hearing aid be removed?
The implanted component of a bone-anchored hearing system is not typically removed because the titanium implant is designed to fuse with the bone. However, the external processor can be removed and replaced as necessary and is the only part that changes when it comes time to upgrade your BAHA
Can older adults use bone-anchored hearing aids?
Most older adults experience sensorineural hearing loss, which is best helped by hearing aids. Bone-anchored hearing devices are often used to treat hearing loss due to changes to the outer or middle ear that lead to conductive hearing loss or in response to single-sided deafness (SSD) that does not respond well to traditional hearing aids.
What is the advantage of custom earmolds?

The main advantages of custom earmolds include:

  • A more secure fit.
  • An improved acoustic/watertight seal.
  • Better frequency response to a full range of sounds.
  • Venting that eliminates reverberation inside your ears.
  • Precision-engineered filters for superior sound quality.
  • Interchangeable filters for a variety of activities.
  • Comfortable wearing all day or all night.
  • Less irritation, thanks to medical-grade silicone construction.
  • A custom fit to each ear.

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