IMPLANT TECHNOLOGIES

COCHLEAR IMPLANTS

A Medical Technological Solution
A cochlear implant may be considered when the cochlear, the sensory organ of hearing, has lost its capacity to transmit sound to the hearing nerve and when hearing aids are no longer of sufficient benefit. A cochlear implant bypasses the damaged cochlear, stimulating the hearing nerve directly and allowing it to transmit sound to the auditory centres in the brain. The sound is then processed and interpreted. The cochlear implant consists of an internal implant and an external speech processor worn behind the ear like a very small hearing aid.

How a Cochlear Implant Works
• The speech processor converts sound into digital signals
• The Processor sends the signals to the internal implant
• The internal implant then converts the signals into electrical energy, sending it to the electrodes inside the cochlear
• The hearing nerve is stimulated by the electrodes bypassing the damaged hair cells
• The signals are perceived and interpreted by the brain
• The sound is heard

As part of the Cochlear Implant process, a rehabilitation program is provided. This helps to hear and understand sound again, especially if someone has been without hearing or has had very impaired hearing for some time. With the support of clinicians hearing skills improve, with adjustment, to the stimulation from the implant.

Elegibility
Discuss your suitability for a cochlear implant with an Audiologist, Medical Practitioner, or an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist. Assessment for suitability is undertaken at a cochlear implant clinic.

Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)
This is a product development to assist people with single sided deafness, or with impaired middle ear function. With single sided deafness the implant allows the recipient to benefit from hearing and understanding sound from both sides, where previously they would only hear from their “better” side. The sound is transmitted from the “bad” side by bone conduction to the better ear. With impaired middle ear function, if there is adequate cochlear function, the signal is transmitted to the cochlear via bone conduction. The Bone Anchored Hearing Aid consists of three main parts, a sound processor, an abutment (attached) and a small titanium implant. When fitted, the system components are connected, allowing sound to be transmitted through the bone to the cochlear via bone conduction.

Elegibility
Suitability may be discussed with an Audiologist, Medical Practitioner, or an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist. Assessment for suitability is undertaken at a Hospital clinic or Ear, Nose and Throat specialist

Please Note:
With ongoing developments in these technologies, information and advice are subject to change. Details for sourcing current information can be obtained from your local GP or local Hospital Audiology Clinic.