FLEX AUDIOLOGY

Cochlear Implants

Southeastern Indiana’s Cochlear Implant Specialists

Millions of people of all ages and from every social class around the world endure the effects of hearing loss. For most, hearing aids are the solution to help improve hearing and produce a better quality of living.

In some cases, hearing aids simply aren’t enough to address issues with hearing clarity and adequate communication. When hearing aids are unable to overcome difficult hearing challenges, hearing implants often provide a more effective alternative solution. Individuals in Southeastern Indiana who seek help to improve hearing clarity and enjoy more natural processed sound look to Flex Audiology to find out if they qualify for electronic implants that are capable of facilitating better communication and better hearing.

Our doctors of audiology use electronic implants to elevate speech and language processing for children as young as six to twelve-years-old on up to adolescents and adults, allowing our patients to take advantage of the benefits they provide.Cochlear implant technology is not new; it’s been around for more than 50 years. However, most people are unaware of what it is and how it’s used to enhance your hearing.

Extremely professional and very thorough. Dr. Person took the needed time to explain all of the exam, options, costs, next steps, etc. Accessible and willing to work with me. Would highly recommend!

Chris R.

It was my first visit and they were awesome, couldn’t ask for a better doctor. They were very friendly and actually talked to you and didn’t try to rush you out the door.

Tammy H.

Got appointment in an reasonable amount of time. I had a tube replaced they charged a reasonable amount and did a fine job. I’ll be going back to them for more maintenance.

flybyu

What Is a Cochlear Implant and How Does It Work?

Cochlear implants, or electronic implants, are electronic devices used to help compensate for damage in your inner ear due to a variety of causes, such as age deterioration, a birth defect, or another cause. They are made up of an external processor and an internal electrode designed to work together to deliver processed sound signals directly to the auditory nerve.

The internal electrode is threaded into the cochlea using a simple surgical procedure. This component receives digitally processed sound signals produced and transmitted by the external processor and then transmits them to the auditory nerve, bypassing the auditory system. Hearing aids, by contrast, send processed sounds through the ear canal and the auditory system.

Since the FDA granted approval for the use of cochlear implants in the 1970s, technology has continued to improve the performance capabilities of the device. Today’s electronic implants are far more efficient than they were a few decades back, thanks to advancements in digital technology, which has had a significant impact on the processing and performance capabilities of hearing implants, just like they have with cell phones and other electronic devices.

Cochlear implants do not cure hearing loss, but as a replacement for hearing aids or used along with them, they often provide the much needed alternative solution to overcome individual hearing loss challenges, especially in individuals who have experienced limited success from the use of hearing aids.

Audiologist placing cochlear hearing implant

More Answers to Your Questions About Cochlear Implants

Female smiling after getting her cochlear implants at Flex Audiology in Lawrenceburg, IN

#1 - What is a bi-modal fitting?

A bi-modal fitting is when a patient wears a traditional hearing aid in one ear and uses a cochlear implant in the other. With today’s digital technology and connectivity capabilities, the two are able to communicate with each other to maximize processing performance and enhance hearing potential.

#2 - Who is a good candidate for a cochlear implant?

Collaboration between your audiologist and a surgeon is critical when it comes to qualifying a person for an electronic implant. Qualifying criteria typically include your level of hearing loss, your capacity to understand speech, the effectiveness of hearing aid use, and your medical history.

#3 - How is cochlear implant surgery done?

Cochlear implant surgery involves making a small incision behind the ear, placing the implant under the skin, while the electrode is inserted into the inner ear. Tests are conducted to measure your response to the implant before closing the incision with stitches.

#4 - Are there any risks involved with cochlear implant surgery?

Because general anesthesia is used, the surgery involves risks, which is why your medical history and the possibility of complications are important considerations before cochlear implant surgery. However, there are few, if any, complications involved with the procedure and only a one-day hospital stay is typical.

#5 - Are additional surgeries needed when new technology becomes available?

The internal electrode, which is surgically implanted, is a pretty basic component. Upgrades usually include technological advancements within the exterior processing unit, making additional surgeries unnecessary when it is time to upgrade your device.

#6 - Can people with cochlear implants swim, shower, and remain active?

A major advantage of electronic implants is your capacity to continue an active lifestyle with few limitations, except for scuba diving and skydiving, which involve intense pressure changes. Users simply remove the external processor to shower or swim and they use protective headgear for more aggressive physical activities.

#7 - How long after being implanted are cochlear implants activated?

Your audiologist will activate your cochlear implant within 4-6 weeks after surgery. The process is gradual, slowly building on each step in order to introduce more sounds in the successive weeks and months.

#8 - Are cochlear implants covered by Medicare and private insurance?

Medicare and most private insurance cover FDA approved electronic implants.

Find Out About Cochlear Implants from Our Specialist

Individuals who have not experienced adequate hearing improvement from hearing aids when it comes to speech and language development often benefit from the advanced alternative solution provided by cochlear implants. Flex Audiology applies electronic implants as an advanced technology tool to instances where a patient is not experiencing adequate results from the use of hearing aids in order to help improve the quality of life.

If you or a loved one is interested in finding out more about cochlear implants near you in Lawrenceburg, IN, and Harrison, OH, or wondering if you qualify, contact us by completing and submitting the adjacent form so our specialist can contact you for assistance.

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"The type of patient we approve for a cochlear implant usually has a severe hearing loss and prescription hearing aids don’t work well for them."

How Does a Cochlear Implant Work and When Is One Considered?

At Flex Audiology, we’ve helped thousands of people to achieve better hearing for more than 16 years, with a customized treatment plan for each person’s unique hearing.