Division of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery
The Division of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, part of the Department of Surgery, offer expert patient care, research programs, and education and training programs.
Cochlear Implants
Specialized care to restore hearing loss
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Restoring Hearing Loss with Cochlear Implants
The Hearing/Cochlear Implant Program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is staffed by a highly trained team of experts. We have a specialized surgeon and a group of audiologists who can help you decide if a cochlear implant is right for you.
We are a proud member of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance of hearing health professionals. The alliance is working to improve access to and increase awareness of cochlear implants as a method to restore hearing.
About Cochlear Implants
A cochlear implant is a device approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It helps users process speech and sound. It consists of two parts: an internal, surgically implanted component and an external component that sits behind the ear.
The internal component receives sound input and translates it into electrical energy. This energy stimulates the auditory nerve, which sends the signals it receives from the cochlear implant to the brain. The brain recognizes these signals as sounds.
The external component includes a speech processor and microphone that collects sound input and delivers it to the internal component.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants not only magnify sound, they improve your understanding of speech by stimulating the auditory nerve directly.
Is Cochlear Implant Right for You?
You need to have thorough diagnostic testing before getting a cochlear implant. The process starts with a hearing test and evaluation by a neuro-otologist (a medical ear specialist and surgeon). If the test shows significant hearing loss, and the team determines you wouldn’t benefit from traditional hearing aids, then we may recommend more sophisticated tests and imaging of the inner ear.
You’ll follow up with our team of audiologists and the neuro-otologist to discuss your results after this second stage of testing.
The decision to receive a cochlear implant is a personal choice. Our tests complement each patient’s personal preference for hearing improvement. We know the decision-making process can be complex. We encourage you to ask questions and tell us about personal factors that may help us guide you through the process.
Things to know:
- There is no age limit for cochlear implants.
- A cochlear implant may be an option even if you have some remaining hearing.
- The implant contains a magnet, and this may affect your ability to have MRI testing. There are implant options that make MRI still possible.
- It’s normal for the evaluation process to take time and require multiple visits. Our team aims to be thorough and offer the best care for each patient.
More About Cochlear Implants
Cochlear Implant Surgery
Our cochlear implant outpatient surgery allows you to go home the same day. But you won’t regain your hearing right after the procedure.
You’ll spend about four weeks recovering from surgery before the activation and rehabilitation begins. At that time, we’ll program the speech processor in your external component and activate the device. Our team of audiologists will work with you to “train” your ear and brain to hear again.
The sound you’ll hear with a cochlear implant at first will differ from what you’d naturally hear. Don’t be discouraged. As time goes on, you’ll integrate this new form of hearing into your understanding of language. Many patients have significant improvement within three months of using the cochlear implant.
Life with a Cochlear Implant
For many people with hearing loss, a cochlear implant is a life-changing decision. It allows them to reacquaint themselves with family and friends in a hearing, social world.
You’ll need to integrate some maintenance for the device into your life. An audiologist will review at-home usage and rehabilitation with you. Our team is always available to answer any questions you have about your device.
