Restoring Hearing Loss with Cochlear Implants
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s Hearing/Cochlear Implant Program aims to help individuals restore hearing loss.
Our team of world-class physicians and audiologists provide sophisticated hearing tests, evaluation, surgery and continue providing care after surgery. After we take your medical history and evaluate the results of a hearing test, our team will decide whether you’re a good candidate for cochlear implant surgery.
How do cochlear implants work?
Cochlear implants are implantable devices that contain internal and external components to help users process speech and sound.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants do not magnify sound. Instead, they stimulate the auditory nerve. The auditory nerve receives signals from the cochlear implant and sends them to the brain which, in turn, recognizes them as sound.
What should I expect from cochlear implant surgery?
Cochlear implant surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll be able to go home the same day. However, you will not regain hearing immediately after.
You’ll spend four weeks recovering from surgery before starting the rehabilitation process. After that, our team of audiologists will work with you to “train” your ear and brain to hear again.
It’s important to keep in mind that the sound you’ll hear with a cochlear implant will differ from what you’d hear naturally. Don’t be discouraged by this—as time goes on, you’ll be able to adapt to the new sound. This process can take up to six months following the initial surgery.
How do I know if cochlear implant surgery is right for me?
This is a question that only you can answer. Plenty of people who live with hearing loss choose not to pursue outside intervention.
We understand that the decision-making process is complex, and we encourage you to ask questions and tell us about which personal factors are guiding you through your decision.
Good candidates for cochlear implant surgery:
- Experiences significant hearing loss, although you may be a candidate even with some remaining hearing
- Are healthy patients of any age—there are no age limits for this procedure
- Commit to several evaluation appointments and follow up appointments
Our physicians and audiologists are always available to answer any questions you may have about your implant and/or provide you with resources for adjusting to life with your new device.
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