Cochlear implants are advances in biotechnology that allow severe hearing problems to be solved. They are electronic devices that are inserted into the cochlea to stimulate the auditory nerve. Thanks to this device, patients suffering from severe hearing loss can hear again.
When a baby is born in Spain, a hearing test is performed to check whether the newborn has a correct hearing response. If severe difficulties are observed, a cochlear implant is recommended.
Who may need a cochlear implant?
Adults frequently suffer hearing loss throughout their lives for different reasons: otosclerosis, hereditary hypoacusis, etc. These patients palliate their hearing loss with hearing aids, but in cases where this is not sufficient, a cochlear implant is used.
What are the advantages for the patient?
Cochlear implants are delicate and uncomfortable to insert. An electrode is inserted in the patient’s inner ear and after 7 days the stitches are removed.
How is the implantation process?
In the first week is when the surgery dressings are performed, but it is not until the first month when the implant is activated. From then on, periodic examinations are performed to program the implant to each patient as best suits him/her.
Is it able to solve hearing problems in all cases?
When determining a patient’s suitability for a cochlear implant, expectations must be clear. Although with implants the patient is sure to hear, the signal may not reach the auditory cortex of our brain correctly. For this reason, not all patients will obtain the optimal results they desire.
The result will depend on factors such as when the hearing loss appeared or how long the patient has not been using hearing aids.
Once implanted, sessions with the speech therapist should be carried out to obtain the most satisfactory results. After the implants are placed, deaf patients can lead a normal life and listen to music or talk on the telephone.