Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is Cochlear Implant Surgery?

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Cochlear implant is an electronic device that partially restores hearing. It can be an option for people who have severe hearing loss from inner-ear damage who are no longer helped by using hearing aids.

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Cochlear implants use a sound processor that fits behind the ear. The processor captures sound signals and sends them to a receiver  implanted under the skin behind the ear. The receiver sends the signals to electrodes implanted in the snail-shaped inner ear (cochlea).

 

The signals stimulate the auditory nerve, which then directs them to the brain. The brain interprets those signals as sounds, though these sounds won't be just like normal hearing.

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It takes time and training to learn to interpret the signals received from a cochlear implant. Within a year of use, most people with cochlear implants make considerable gains in understanding speech.

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2. How it is different from Hearing aid?

A cochlear implant is very different from a hearing aid. Hearing aids amplify sounds so they may be detected by damaged ears. Cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Signals generated by the implant are sent by way of the auditory nerve to the brain, which recognizes the signals as sound. Cochlear implants are surgically placed electrical devices that receive sound and transmit the resulting electrical signals to electrodes implanted in the cochlea of the ear. The signals stimulate the cochlea, allowing patient to hear.

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3. Ideal age for Cochlear Implant Surgery?

Children below age of 3 years

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4. How does someone receive a sound via cochlear implant?

Use of a cochlear implant requires both a surgical procedure and significant speech therapy to learn or relearn the sense of hearing. Surgical implant is almost always safe, although complications are a risk factor, just as with any kind of surgery. An additional consideration is learning to interpret the sounds created by an implant. This process takes time and practice. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are frequently involved in this learning process. Prior to implant, all of these factors need to be considered.

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5. How to know the infant is deaf? ( Sign of hearing loss in infant and children )

• Does not react to loud sounds.

• Does not seek out or detect where sound is coming from.

• Has stopped babbling and experimenting with making sounds.

• Still babbles but is not progressing to more understandable speech.

• Doesn’t react to voices, even when being held.

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6. What is cost of Cochlear implant?

Usually cost of implant surgery at private sector is between 8-9 lakhs rupees but at HCF under this Shravya C I Project we charge only 65,000/- including consultation, surgery charges, IPD charges, investigations, medicines implant and one year speech therapy 100 sessions.

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7. What is a outcome?

Surgery is usually safe but outcome depends on regular speech therapy as per rehabilitation program. Without missing any session gives good results and patient is able to hear and speak. Any irregularity in rehabilitation therapy may affect the outcome