Table of contents:
- What are cochlear implants?
- How do cochlear implants work?
- What are the advantages over hearing aids?
- Who needs cochlear implants?
- Are there any risks that might occur if you do this procedure?
For people who have hearing loss, using hearing aids will really help smooth their daily activities. One of the hearing aids that can improve hearing loss from moderate to severe levels, even deafness is a cochlear implant. If you are considering using a hearing aid, it's a good idea to first read the complete information about cochlear implants below.
What are cochlear implants?
A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that is placed in the ears of people who have hearing loss due to a damaged cochlea. This tool works by sending impulses from the cochlea directly to the auditory nerve, which then carries sound signals to the brain.
In the process of hearing, the cochlea or the cochlear organ takes the sound vibrations and sends them to the brain via the auditory nerve. When the cochlea is damaged, sound will not be able to reach the nerves so the brain cannot process these signals as sound.
This tool functions to replace the function of the damaged inner ear (cochlea) to deliver sound signals to the brain. In other words, a cochlear implant helps you hear because it works directly with the auditory nerve and brain.
The cochlear implant consists of several parts, namely:
- Microphone which functions to pick up sounds from the surrounding environment
- Sound processor functions to select and arrange the sound picked up by the microphone
- Transmintter and receiver / stimulator receives signals from the sound processor and converts them into electrical impluls
- Electrode array, is an arrangement of electrodes that functions to collect impulses from the stimulator and send them to the auditory nerve
How do cochlear implants work?
Unlike hearing aids that help make outside sounds louder to be heard, cochlear implants replace the function of the damaged inner ear (cochlea) to deliver sound signals to the brain. In other words, the cochlear impression helps you hear.
The cochlea, or the cochlear organ, picks up sound vibrations and sends them to the brain via the auditory nerve. When the cochlea is damaged, sound will not be able to reach the nerves so the brain cannot process these signals as sound. The function of the implant delivers sound to the hearing nerve so that it can bounce back.
What are the advantages over hearing aids?
This implant is more intended for people with hearing loss due to damage to the cochlea. This tool allows users to hear and understand speech to enjoy music.
Although visible from the outside of the ear, implants do not usually get in the way of everyday life. In fact, you can still swim while using the implant, because basically the cochlear implant is already implanted in the ear. It should also be noted that most users report hearing a “beep” or faint “machine” sound.
Children and adults who have hearing difficulties or even severe deafness can use cochlear implants. This procedure is safe for use even by children at least 12 months old.
A study cited by the National Institute of Health proves that implants placed before 18 months of age can make children hear better, understand various sounds and music, and even interact with their friends without the need for visual cues such as sign language.
Quoted from Johns Hopkins Medicine, other features of cochlear implants are:
- Can be an option when hearing aids do not provide clear voice from the speech or spoken language of other people
- Having implants done quickly in children can improve hearing improvement
Who needs cochlear implants?
Children and adults who have hearing difficulties or even severe deafness can use cochlear implants. This tool is safe for use even by children at least 12 months.
A study cited by the National Institute of Health in the United States proves that cochlear implants placed before 18 months of age can make children hear better, understand various sounds and music, and even talk to their friends when they grow up.
Furthermore, children who have difficulty hearing and using impanants may even develop language skills comparable to children with normal hearing. In fact, they can go to school well in ordinary schools. Of course this really helps them in living life.
Hearing loss adults may also be greatly helped by this device. They will try to match the voices they hear now with the voices they have ever heard before, including people's speech, without having to look at the lips of the other person.
Are there any risks that might occur if you do this procedure?
As with any medical aid, there are a number of risks, including ear disease, that may occur when you use a cochlear implant. Some of them are:
- Hearing nerve injury
- Numb feeling around the ears
- Dizziness and balance problems or vertigo
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Cerebrospinal fluid leakage
- The infection is in the area around the machine, so the implant has to be removed
- Infection of the lining of the brain or commonly called meningitis
But not everyone who uses this procedure will experience the above risks. Please consult a specialist about the possible risks above especially for your condition.
