Cochlear Implants

What does it look like?

What does it look like?

What are cochlear Implants? A cochlear implant is an electronic hearing device which is surgically implanted. The first part of the device is a microphone or transmitter, which is worn externally to pick up sounds in the environment. The second part is the receiver and electrode system, which is implanted under the skin. Typically, the microphone or transmitter is worn directly behind the ear.

Continued Unlike a hearing aid, a cochlear implant does not amplify sounds. Cochlear Implants stimulate the auditory nerve, so sounds heard through the implant. The sounds do NOT sound the same as they are heard through normal hearing. Voices and environmental noises sound different when heard through a cochlear implant, but those with the device will be able to hear more than if they did not have the implant.

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Continued Extensive therapy is usually done after the surgery to help the person with the device learn and relearn the sense of hearing.

What do they sound like? https://auditoryneuroscience.com/binauralBeats

Cochlear Implant Debate

COCHLEAR IMPLANT PRO CON Hearing ranges from near normal ability to understand speech to no hearing benefit at all. Injury to the facial nerve Meningitis Cerebrospinal fluid leakage Perilymph fluid leak Infection of the skin wound. Attacks of dizziness or vertigo.

COCHLEAR IMPLANTS Adults often benefit immediately. PRO CON Adults often benefit immediately. Blood or fluid collection at the site of surgery. Tinnitus Taste disturbances Numbness around the ear. Reparative granuloma May hear sounds differently.

COCHLEAR IMPLANTS Children may improve at a slower pace. CON Children may improve at a slower pace. May lose residual hearing. May have unknown and uncertain effects. May not hear as well as others who have had successful outcomes with their implants.

COCHLEAR IMPLANT Most perceive loud, medium and soft sounds. PRO CON Most perceive loud, medium and soft sounds. May not be able to understand language well. Neurostimulation. Electrical surgery. Electroconvulsive therapy. Ionic radiation therapy.

COCHLEAR IMPLANT Some can enjoy music. May have to have it removed. PRO CON Some can enjoy music. May have to have it removed. May have their implant fail. May not be able to upgrade. May not be able to have some medical examinations and treatments.

COCHLEAR IMPANTS Many understand speech without lip-reading. PRO CON Many understand speech without lip-reading. Will depend on batteries for hearing. May damage their implant. May find them expensive.

COCHLEAR IMPLANT PRO CON Many can make telephone calls and understand familiar voices over the telephone. May have lifestyle changes because their implant will interact with the electronic environment. An implant may set off theft detection systems set off metal detectors or other security systems be affected by cellular phone users or other radio transmitters have to be turned off during take offs and landings in aircraft interact in unpredictable ways with other computer systems

COCHLEAR IMPLANT PRO CON Many can watch TV more easily, especially when they can also see the speaker's face. May hear strange sounds. Can't let the external parts get wet. Have less ability to hear. Will have to be careful of static electricity.

What do you think about cochlear implants ?

What do you think Deaf people think about cochlear implants?