Cochlear implant as a way to regain hearing

Millions of people around the world suffer from various hearing impairments. In most cases, a properly selected hearing aid helps to cope with these problems. However, hearing aids are not able to return hearing to absolutely deaf people and people with severe deafness. In such cases, the only way to regain the ability to hear is cochlear implantation .

What is cochlear implantation?

Cochlear implantation is a high-tech surgical procedure for the installation of a special device (cochlear implant), which allows the deaf person to regain the ability to hear. This electronic device consists of the most cochlear implant, which in turn consists of the main part and electrodes, and from the speech processor. The speech processor captures sounds with the help of a microphone, then encodes them into pulses and transmits them to the implant. Implant, in turn, transmits these impulses to the cochlea of the ear. Thus, the auditory nerve is stimulated and the person hears sounds.

In what cases is cochlear implantation recommended?

Before deciding to install a cochlear implant, you must carefully weigh the pros and cons of this procedure. It is very important to understand that the principle of operation of the cochlear implant differs from hearing aids, and you will not hear sounds as you used to hear them before. In addition, the patient should be prepared for a long period of rehabilitation and training.

That's why the candidates for cochlear implantation undergo a rather strict selection. Thus, indications for cochlear implantation include absolute deafness or severe deafness, which can not be treated by other methods of hearing correction, including hearing aids.

How is a cochlear implant?

Before the installation of the cochlear implant, a thorough examination of the candidate for contraindications to the procedure is carried out. The patient is consulted with a neurologist, faculty and otolaryngologist.

The operation itself is performed under general anesthesia and lasts 1-1.5 hours. Cochlear implant is installed in the behind-the-ear area, and electrodes are placed in the cochlea of the ear. The speech processor is fixed outside the ear after some time after the operation.

In general, cochlear implantation is considered a relatively simple procedure. Rare complications of surgery include damage to the facial nerve, tinnitus, dizziness, headaches and a violation of taste.

Cochlear implantation: rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is the most difficult and time-consuming stage of implant installation. At the same time, rehabilitation is an essential part of the cochlear implantation procedure, and without it, it is impossible to achieve the desired results. This period includes the connection of a speech processor, its programming and training with educators to learn the perception of sounds using an implant.

Rehabilitation and training can last from a few months to several years. During this time, the patient is treated with a surdo pedagogue, a psychologist, a speech therapist and other specialists. Usually, the patient takes some time to get used to and learn how to distinguish between new sounds and perceive speech. Training goes in stages, starting with simple skills (such as the ability to catch sounds, localize them and distinguish them from silence), ending with more complex tasks (talking to people, watching TV).

What are the advantages of cochlear implantation?

Despite the complexity of the rehabilitation period after cochlear implantation, this procedure is the only way for deaf people to return the ability to hear.