Frequently asked questions about hearing implant
What is a Hearing Implant?
A hearing implant system is the combination of an internal implant and an external audio processor. There are different types of hearing implants - such as a cochlear implant, middle ear implant, or bone conduction implant - designed for different types of hearing loss. Hearing implant systems are designed to restore hearing to individuals who don’t receive sufficient benefit from hearing aids.
Who can they help?
Cochlear implants are suitable for anyone who has severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. This includes young children right up to older adults.
Is it too late to receive an implant?
There is no age limit for receiving a hearing implant. Many of our recipients are older adults who have enjoyed a renewed quality of life after having their hearing restored.
Is my child too young to receive an implant?
For children with severe-to-profound hearing loss, success is more likely if they are implanted at a young age. In a child’s first few years, the brain is especially ready to learn language and adapt to a hearing implant. In many cases, when children with a profound hearing impairment are implanted early enough, their hearing and speech can develop in a manner similar to that of their peers without hearing loss.
Age of implantation is dependent on the individual patient and the advice of your doctor.
How long will the implant surgery last?
A typical hearing implant surgery lasts from 2–3 hours. Patients are often back on their feet the next day. The length of the hospital stay is usually one or more days, depending on local practice.
How safe is cochlear implant surgery?
As with any surgery, there are some potential risks to cochlear implantation. The risks involved in cochlear implant surgery are low, however, and are comparable to those associated with other ear surgeries. The design of MED-EL hearing implants allows for minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Can I listen to music with my cochlear implant?
MED-EL audio processors are designed with music enjoyment in mind. All of the currently available MED-EL CI audio processors can connect to audio devices using various accessories. This includes smartphones, MP3 players, and other personal audio devices.
What is BONEBRIDGE?
BONEBRIDGE is an active bone conduction system designed to restore hearing to individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss, or single-sided deafness. BONEBRIDGE consists of an internal bone conduction implant and an external audio processor. It is suitable for adults and children aged five years and older.
What is VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE?
Vibrant Soundbridge is a middle ear implant system designed to restore hearing to individuals with mild-to-severe hearing loss. VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE consists of an external audio processor and an internal middle ear implant. It is suitable for adults and children aged five years and older.
What is the difference between a cochlear implant and VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE?
VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE sends sound signals to the inner ear by mechanically vibrating the middle ear structures directly, is designed for individuals with mild-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss, mixed, or conductive hearing loss.
In contrast, a cochlear implant sends sound signals to the cochlea in the inner ear by electrically stimulating the auditory nerve directly. A cochlear implant is intended for individuals with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss.
