By Dr. Brian McKinnon, Neurotologist
MCG Health System 

When you have severe hearing loss, the world can be a very complicated, challenging place. Work, dinners out with friends, even a simple phone call can become stressful and demanding, if not impossible.

But a high-tech device implanted in the inner ear can allow many hearing-impaired individuals to hear again. This cutting-edge procedure is known as cochlear implantation.

Below are some of the most common questions people have about cochlear implants.

What is cochlear implantation?

The cochlea is the snail shell-shaped portion of the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into neural impulses that are sent through the auditory nerve to the brain, resulting in what we perceive as hearing. Cochlear implants consist of a hair-thin electrode surgically implanted into the cochlea, with an internal processor placed just under the skin behind the ear. Sound is picked up by an external speech processor that rests behind the ear. The external speech processor converts the sound to electrical impulses that are transmitted to the internal processor and sent through the cochlear electrode.

The electrode then sends the electrical impulses to the cochlea, where the impulses are sensed by the auditory nerve and transmitted to the brain. The brain recognizes these impulses as sound, thus restoring sound perception. The entire process takes only a fraction of a second, mirroring normal auditory function.

Who can get a cochlear implant?

Cochlear implants are appropriate for those with severe to profound hearing loss in both ears. Adults who have lost their hearing, even after many years, often have remarkable results with cochlear implants, with some even able to speak on the telephone or listen to the radio without the need for captioning or other clues to the spoken word.

Cochlear implants may not be appropriate if a person has damage to the auditory nerve, if the cochlea is absent or not fully formed, or if a person is not healthy enough for surgery. A good support system as well as realistic expectations are critical to the success of those who receive cochlear implants.

Why can’t I just use a hearing aid?
 
Hearing aids are just that - aids to help support the hearing you already have by simply amplifying sound. Cochlear implants are for those hearing-impaired individuals whose cochlea dysfunction is so severe they cannot benefit from hearing aids.

Will I regain normal hearing?

The sounds that you hear after a cochlear implant will be different. Some describe it as sounding “mechanical” or “like a computer.” After surgery, patients work with an audiologist to program the implant, as well as a speech therapist to help them interpret the sounds correctly. Cochlear implant patients are usually able to hear everyday sounds like traffic and sirens, speech and music. Many can effectively use a phone or cell phone.

How long does the cochlear implant last?

With proper follow-up and upgrades, a cochlear implant can last a lifetime.

What happens after surgery?
 
Recovery time after surgery usually lasts about four to six weeks. After recovery, patients meet with an audiologist and a speech therapist, who work together to maximize the success of cochlear implantation. The audiologist “turns on” the implant and fine tunes the hearing. Speech therapists help patients learn how to use the implant and respond to the sounds they are hearing. Patients will also need to go to regular medical follow-ups to make sure there are no problems at the implant site, plus have regular reprogramming to ensure the implant is functioning at its best.
  
Helen Keller once said, “Blindness separates us from things, but deafness separates us from people.” With cochlear implants, severely hearing-impaired adults have a chance at overcoming the barriers that their hearing loss presents.

MCG Health System is composed of three organizations - MCG Health Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the MCG Physicians Practice Group.  MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services.  MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia, and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for delivering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.  For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.