Cochlear Implant Services

Cochlear Implant: When hearing aids are not enough

If you or your loved one is struggling to understand speech even with the use of powerful hearing aids, you may be a candidate for a cochlear implant. A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device that consists of an internal and external device that the bypasses the damaged part of the inner ear. The cochlear implant provides a sense of sound to a person with moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss.

There are several factors that go into deciding if a person will be successful with a cochlear implant. These are:

1. How long have you experienced hearing loss?
2. What is the cause of your hearing loss?
3. How motivated you are to learn how to use the cochlear implant?
4. Are you wearing the device full time?
5. Are you participating in auditory training to help learn how to use the device?

Candidacy evaluations:

Cochlear implant candidacy is based on the individual’s hearing ability and anticipated outcomes with a cochlear implant. Presbyterian Ear Institute audiologists have extensive experience and knowledge in evaluating children and adults for a cochlear implant.

The candidacy evaluation may consist of some or all of the following appointments:

Review hearing and medical history Discuss your hearing goals Evaluate your hearing with and without hearing aids to determine if your hearing aids are giving you appropriate benefit.

*If you do not have hearing aids we will provide loaner hearing aids during the testing Review results from the evaluation and counsel on appropriate expectations.

Insurance Authorization:

The majority of health insurance companies and managed care plans cover cochlear implants.

Device Selection:

We work with the 3 FDA cochlear implant manufactures. You will meet with your audiologist to decide which is the appropriate cochlear implant device for you.

Cochlear Implant Mapping/Programming

Cochlear implants are custom programmed for each patient, depending upon their auditory response to electrical stimulation. This procedure is known as “mapping”.

Regular mapping sessions are important to ensure the cochlear implant user is achieving optimum benefit from the cochlear implant.

Programming of Auditory Brainstem Implants

An ABI is used to stimulate the cochlear nucleus in people with NF2 who’s hearing nerves do not function. Although people with NF2 tend to be completely deaf and the benefit of an ABI is not as high as that of a cochlear implant, most recipients experience substantial improvement in hearing.