What Is a Cochlear Implant?

A cochlear implant is a small, electronic device that can help give a sense of sound to people who have severe to profound hearing loss and get little or no help from hearing aids. Unlike a hearing aid, which just makes sounds louder, a cochlear implant sends sound directly to the hearing nerve using electrical signals.

The system has two main parts:

  • External Sound Processor – Worn behind the ear, it picks up sounds and sends them to the implant.
  • Internal Implant – Placed under the skin behind the ear during surgery, it sends signals to the hearing nerve.

Who Can Benefit?

Cochlear implants can help adults who:

  • Have severe hearing loss in both ears, or who are completely deaf in one ear (“single sided deafness”)
  • Don’t benefit enough from hearing aids
  • Want to be more connected to speech, music, and environmental sounds

A woman and man having a meal in a restaurant. The woman is listening intently thanks to the cochlear implant she is displaying.

The Process: What to Expect

  1. Evaluation
    We start with a hearing test and a visit with our cochlear implant team, which includes an ENT doctor and an audiologist. Testing determines if you are a candidate and can take 2-3 hours. If you are a candidate, your surgeon may order additional tests such as an MRI, CT scan, or balance testing depending on your history. You may also need to get a pneumonia vaccine that protects against meningitis.
  2. Surgery
    The procedure usually takes around 2 hours and is done under general anesthesia. Most people go home the same day.
  3. Activation
    About 2–4 weeks after surgery, the implant is “activated.” This is your first day hearing with your cochlear implant—but it won’t sound like normal hearing at first since your brain needs time to adjust. The first 3 months are the most difficult because the sound produced is not what you are used to!
  4. Rehabilitation
    This is the most important part. To get the most benefit, you’ll need to train your brain to understand sounds again. This takes time and daily practice. We recommend at least 12 hours per day!We recommend:

    • Listening to audiobooks and following along with the text
    • Tuning in to podcasts with clear speech
    • Playing music you’re familiar with
    • Watching TV or movies with subtitles
    • Having regular appointments with your audiologist for adjustments and support

    The more you practice, the more your brain learns to make sense of the new sounds.

A man sitting listening to a lecture and taking notes while displaying his cochlear implant

Ready to Begin Your Journey to Better Hearing?

Contact our hearing professionals today to begin.

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