What is Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant is a medical device that helps individuals with severe or profound hearing loss to hear sound. It consists of an external sound processor, which captures sound and converts it into digital signals, and an internal implant that is surgically placed under the skin behind the ear. The implant sends the signals to electrodes that are implanted in the cochlea, the part of the inner ear that is responsible for hearing. These electrodes stimulate the auditory nerve and allow the brain to perceive sound, even if the natural hearing pathway is impaired.
Cochlear implants are designed to bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, providing individuals with severe hearing loss with a way to improve their ability to understand speech and communicate with others. Cochlear implants are suitable for people of all ages, including infants and children, who have severe or profound hearing loss and who are not able to benefit from hearing aids.
How Does a Cochlear Implant Work?
A cochlear implant is a medical device that helps individuals with severe or profound hearing loss to hear sound. It consists of an external sound processor, which captures sound and converts it into digital signals, and an internal implant that is surgically placed under the skin behind the ear. The implant sends the signals to electrodes that are implanted in the cochlea, the part of the inner ear that is responsible for hearing. These electrodes stimulate the auditory nerve and allow the brain to perceive sound, even if the natural hearing pathway is impaired.
Cochlear implants are designed to bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, providing individuals with severe hearing loss with a way to improve their ability to understand speech and communicate with others. Cochlear implants are suitable for people of all ages, including infants and children, who have severe or profound hearing loss and who are not able to benefit from hearing aids.
How Does the Cochlear Implant Process Proceed?
Cochlear implant application is performed after the completion of some stages:
- Before the surgery, candidates are examined in detail by Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists.
- After the physical examination, audiological evaluation is made. With methods such as speech and sound audiometry, the speech ability of especially young children is measured. Children included in the assessment are compared with children of the same age who are considered normal hearing. At the same time, the use and effectiveness of hearing aids are evaluated.
After these evaluations, it is decided which of the hearing aid or cochlear implant methods will be applied. Generally, individuals are asked to use hearing aids for a period of 3 months. In cases where hearing loss is very severe, cochlear implant method is applied if hearing aids cannot be benefited after this period:
- Magnetic resonance (MR) and ear tomography are requested to detect inner ear damage. After these radiological examinations, the general health status of the patients is evaluated and it is checked whether the necessary conditions for surgery are met. A different procedure may also be followed at this stage, depending on the cause of the hearing loss. Genetic evaluation is performed in cases with congenital hearing loss.
- After these evaluations, cochlear implant surgery is performed. During the surgery, first a small incision is made behind the ear to create a space for the implant to be placed. The electrodes are then delivered to the inner ear, also known as the cochlea.
- Before the incision is closed during the surgery, it is checked whether both the electrodes and the implant are working properly. This operation, which is performed under general anesthesia, is completed in 2-4 hours on average.
- After the patient comes out of anesthesia, the position of the implant and electrodes is controlled by radiological imaging methods.
- Approximately 4 weeks after the cochlear implant surgery, the microphone, which is the outer part, is attached and the implant is made operational.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cochlear Implant (FAQ)
Cochlear implants are typically recommended for individuals who have severe or profound hearing loss and who are not able to benefit from hearing aids. The implant is suitable for people of all ages, including infants and children.
Cochlear implants and hearing aids are both devices that help individuals with hearing loss to improve their ability to hear. However, there are some key differences between the two:
Degree of hearing loss: Hearing aids are typically used for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, while cochlear implants are recommended for people with severe to profound hearing loss.
Method of sound amplification: Hearing aids amplify sound and make it louder, while cochlear implants bypass the damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve with electrical signals.
Sound quality: Hearing aids provide a more natural sound quality, while cochlear implants may produce a different, more artificial sound quality.
Cost: Hearing aids are generally less expensive than cochlear implants, although the cost can vary depending on the type and features of the hearing aid.
Surgical procedure: Hearing aids are worn externally and do not require surgery, while cochlear implants are surgically implanted under the skin behind the ear.
Overall, hearing aids are typically the first line of treatment for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, while cochlear implants are recommended for those with severe to profound hearing loss who are not able to benefit from hearing aids. Both devices have their own advantages and limitations, and the choice between the two depends on the individual's degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
The effectiveness of a cochlear implant depends on several factors, including the individual's level of hearing loss and their ability to adapt to the new sounds. Overall, cochlear implants have been shown to be highly effective in improving speech understanding and communication abilities in people with severe hearing loss.
The surgery typically takes 2-3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Patients are usually able to go home the same day or the next day after the surgery.
Most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few days to a week after the surgery. However, it may take several weeks or even months for the implant to fully integrate with the auditory system and for the patient to adjust to the new sounds. Ongoing therapy and support from an audiologist can help with the adjustment process.
Yes, a cochlear implant can be removed, although it is a rare occurrence. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed due to complications or infections. The implant can also be turned off or programmed to a lower level if needed, such as during MRI exams.
Why Lokman Hekim Health Group?
Lokman Hekim Health Group Istanbul Hospital
Lokman Hekim Health Group, equipped with the latest technology and experienced doctors with 25 years of international medical experience, offers first-class health services in all the branches you need.
As Lokman Hekim Health Group, one of the leading healthcare service brands in Turkiye, we are with you at every point you need, in every step you need to take advantage of our service, in order to provide first-class quality healthcare to our international patients and to maximize patient satisfaction.
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Why Türkiye?
Istanbul the capital of Turkey, eastern tourist city.
Turkiye is in the top 5 among the most popular destinations in the field of medical tourism due to its hospitals with advanced medical technology and well-trained and qualified medical staff. It has become a more preferred location compared to other health tourism locations, especially because Turkiye offers high-quality health services at an affordable price.
You can easily travel to Turkiye, which geographically combines Europe and Asia, no matter which continent you come from. In addition, according to your health status, you can organize touristic trips before or after your treatment or take advantage of shopping opportunities in Turkiye.
