Cochlear implant is a small electronic device added to those who have profound of hearing loss due to a defect in cochlea. It can be of great importance for people with varying degrees of hearing loss either genetical or acquired later in life.
It uses a sound processor that is surgically inserted on the skull, behind the ear. The processor captures sound signals and sends them to a receiver implanted under the skin, behind the ear. The receiver then sends the signals to electrodes implanted in the cochlea.
Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, a cochlear implant bypasses damaged parts of the ear to deliver sound signals to the auditory nerve.
The signals stimulate the auditory nerve, which then directs them to the brain. The brain interprets those signals as sounds, though these sounds are different from normal hearing. It takes time and training to learn to interpret the signals received from a cochlear implant. Within a year of use, most people with cochlear implants make considerable gains in understanding speech.
Why should you get it?
Cochlear implants have always been a top choice for people who are bad at hearing in both ears, some of its benefits are:
Benefits of Cochlear Implants
- Hear speech at a normal level: Depending on the severity of your hearing condition, it can enable you to hear all kinds of words and speech at a normal level. It will improve your day-to-day life, and many people can understand speech without any visual cues after they start using cochlear implants. Many people who use the implants have said that they have started hearing softer sounds, too, that they never heard before, like leaves rustling, footsteps, etc.
- New possibilities for deaf children: Cochlear implants are opening up new possibilities for deaf children because the sooner they start hearing sounds, the easier it gets for them to adapt to the device with time and age. The implant can help children develop listening, speaking and communicating skills that might otherwise be impossible.
- Control your own voice: For people who are a bit hard on hearing but not completely deaf might feel the need to shout when talking to other people. With a cochlear implant, they can talk in their normal voice and not become the center of attention at uncomfortable times.
- Helping older people socialize: Having a cochlear implant can help older people feel included and make it easier for them to socialize. The invisible disability can cause them to isolate themselves from their loved ones; with the implants, they can feel like they belong again.
Do you believe you or someone you know might need cochlear implant instead of hearing aids? Book an appointment with an ENT specialist or cochlear implant surgeon in Dubai today to get all your doubts and questions answered.