In the realm of hearing health, technological advancements have paved the way for transformative solutions, one of which is the cochlear implant. This remarkable device has revolutionized the lives of many individuals with severe to profound hearing loss, offering a pathway to restored auditory function where traditional hearing aids may fall short. This summer, RestorEar’s research collaborators will begin recruiting for a study using RestorEar’s technology during cochlear implant surgeries, aiming to improve outcomes for patients receiving this life changing intervention. You can stay up to date on the study progress on our Clinical Page or at clinicaltrials.gov.

In the meantime, read further to learn more about cochlear implants.

What is a Cochlear Implant?

A cochlear implant is a complex electronic device designed to bypass damaged hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea) and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants function as a prosthetic substitute for damaged sensory cells. They consist of two main components: an external portion worn behind the ear or on the body, and an internal portion surgically implanted under the skin. You can read a past blog post about the link between cold therapy (cooling) and cochlear implants here.

How is a Cochlear Implant Implanted?

The surgical procedure involves placing the internal component of the cochlear implant under the skin behind the ear. Electrodes from this component are carefully threaded into the cochlea. The external portion includes a microphone, speech processor, and transmitter coil. Sounds are picked up by the microphone, processed into electrical signals by the speech processor, and transmitted to the internal component. These signals stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing the brain to perceive sound.

Who Could Benefit from a Cochlear Implant?

Cochlear implants are primarily recommended for individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit sufficiently from hearing aids. Candidates often include those:

• With Profound Hearing Loss: Individuals who cannot understand speech through traditional hearing aids due to extensive damage in the inner ear.
• Who Gain Limited Benefit from Hearing Aids: Despite using hearing aids, some individuals may still struggle to understand speech, especially in noisy environments.
• Children Born with Hearing Loss: Early implantation in children born deaf or with profound hearing loss can significantly enhance their speech and language development.

Cochlear implants represent a remarkable advancement in hearing technology, offering a lifeline to those for whom traditional aids provide limited benefit. The decision to pursue a cochlear implant should be made in consultation with an audiologist or otolaryngologist who specializes in hearing loss. Ultimately, this technology continues to evolve, promising even greater improvements in the quality of life for individuals with profound hearing impairment.