Who can use Cochlear Imlant?
Sign Language Software  
Download Sign Language Software

 


Cochlear Implant
Who can use it?



Careful consideration should be given to the utilization of a cochlea device as there is definite pro's and con's and the fact is irreversible. Individuals who get little or no advantages from conventional hearing aids or have a severe auditory nerve malfunction may consider this option.

Responsible, experienced, educated staff members of cochlea implant centers determines the probable successful recipient and consider the quantity of residual hearing, cause of hearing loss, health status, family commitment to aural rehabilitation, hearing history and speech recognition ability.

The most likely choice for implantation is:
  • suffering severe to profound sensorineural hearing impairment in both ears
  • having a functional auditory nerve
  • no or little advantage of conventional hearing devices
  • most recent loss of hearing
  • otherwise medically sound and healthy
  • having good communication skills and in case of infants and young children willing and able family for support in rehabilitation and after care.
  • realistic expectations relevant to results
  • solid support of family and friends
  • own choice to function in greater society
  • professional support team for post implant rehabilitation.

Impulses are carried through different wave lengths in different media(air, liquid or solids) and naturally via the outer ear channel (auditory) were these impulses are concentrated and transported to the middle ear and from there onto follicles on the auditory nerve. Radical surgical intervention bypass and, in the act most likely, destroys pre-function and is irreversible. Mechanical replacement is introduced and takes over natural functions, thus profound sensorineural hearing loss is the likeliest recipients.

Auditory nerve fibers to convey impulses from the device to the central auditory receptor are essential to the functioning of the implantation, otherwise translation is impossible because of this missing essential link. If damaged is too such an extent that they cannot receive electrical stimuli, the implant will not work, however in cases some with severe auditory neuropathy have also benefited from cochlear implants.

When a person has been deaf for an extended period of time, the portion of the brain allocated for hearing is taken over by another function and implantation to the cochlea, and may result in disorientation and re-adaptation. This is to interpret sound impulses but to the far greater extent they tend to be richly enhanced in regaining the art of communication, due to their prior lingual skills and their memory thereof. Children who have not yet mastered the art of communication is another category who benefits to a greater extend and would stand a better chance to succeed with implantation.

Elderly persons might be considered as operational risks and enhancement of life quality is the norm when considerations are made especially as technology improves.
The nerve tissue surrounding the implants seems to be positively influenced by electronic stimulation.

Notwithstanding consideration and compassion are given to parents with a born deaf baby who insists their child grows up as a natural healthy individual, and to benefit normal society. Data also confirm, implants performed on children before they reach the age of 2, have a greater success in the utilization of the implant and the consequential greater ability to adapt and lead in a society what the hearing see as normal.