When it comes to hearing loss, there is not always something that can be done to improve the hearing of an individual. However, for many people, cochlear implants can provide an outstanding opportunity to see significant improvement in what they hear and the quality of their hearing. Take the time to get to know this type of implant and how it can help you before you head in to see an ENT for the hearing loss you are facing.
What is a Cochlear Implant?
This type of implant is a small electronic device made up of complex connections that can help to provide a sense of sound. Generally, this type of implant is best suited for those who are very hard of hearing or even profoundly deaf. The device itself has an external portion that will be placed behind the ear. The second portion of the device is then surgically implanted just under the skin. There are various benefits to this type of implant. However, it all is based on how the intricate pieces of the system work.
There is a very small microphone on the implant that works to pick up sounds from the environment around the individual. There is then a speech processor on the implant that works to select and arrange sounds that are picked up. This is then sent through the transmitter and receiver portion, which will receive the signal and convert it into an electric impulse. The final portion is an electrode array, which will then obtain these signals and send them to various regions of the auditory nerve.
It is important to note that this type of implant does not have the ability to restore a person’s hearing to a normal level. However, it can help to give a person who otherwise cannot hear a useful type of representation of sounds that are happening around them and help them to then understand speech more effectively.
If you are suffering from being very hard of hearing, you may want to consider the benefit that a cochlear implant can offer to you. They can be suitable for adults or children with various types or reasons for hearing loss. Not everyone will see the same level of improvement, but many people do see the value of investing in these.
Call our offices at 212-867-4813 to schedule a consultation with our ENT doctor in New York about your needs.
