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Website: www.cochlear.com.au

Cochlear implants - FAQ

What is a cochlear implant?
A cochlear implant is a medical device implanted during a routine medical operation designed to help children and adults (with at least a moderate-to-profound sloping hearing loss) communicate more easily.

It is an alternative when traditional attempts to improve hearing ability, with powerful hearing aids, no longer provide assistance.

Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, a cochlear implant bypasses the damaged part of the ear and stimulates the hearing nerve directly.

A cochlear implant is designed to give children and adults the confidence to live a full and rewarding life.

Read more about cochlear implants and how they work.

What should I consider when choosing my cochlear implant?
When considering which cochlear implant manufacturer best meets your needs, you may want to compare product features, design, ease of use, performance and, most importantly, long term reliability of the device. Reputable implant manufacturers produce reports on the results of their devices. Be sure to ask your Cochlear Implant Team for copies of such reports.

How reliable is the cochlear implant? 
Cochlear implants are very reliable. Cochlear’s extensive research and clinical trial program ensures that all testing is completed to international standards. Today, Cochlear holds the industry and world benchmarks in reliability. Our extensive research program is committed to continuing our path of breakthrough discoveries and ensuring that these are compatible with all of our implants.

How will I hear after I have my cochlear implant?
Everyone’s initial experience with their cochlear implant is unique. However, most implant users say that the sound changes with time and gets better every day. If you’ve previously used a hearing aid you’ll notice a difference in sound with your new implant. You may notice a more ‘tinny’ sound quality at the beginning, as you’ll be able to hear high-pitched sounds that you might not have heard for a long time.

Children who’ve had little or no hearing prior to their cochlear implant appear to get used to the sound very quickly.

Getting used to hearing sounds that you have missed hearing for a long time can take time. Work with your Cochlear Implant Team (speech therapist, audiologist, clinician) to help you in this process.

How complicated is cochlear implant surgery?
Implantation is a routine procedure performed in a hospital. The surgery usually takes 1–3 hours. About 2-3 weeks later your implant will be programmed to meet your hearing needs, and switched on - this is often a very memorable and joyful moment.

In some countries the hospital procedures may vary, you should discuss the procedure with your surgeon and clinical team.

I am an active person.  Will that change if I have an implant? 
Cochlear’s implant systems are built to allow you to lead a normal, active life. It will not prevent you from pursuing any physical activities you desire.

If you participate in very physical sports or underwater sports you should discuss these with your clinician before taking them up again following surgery.

How long do the batteries in the processors last?
Button cell batteries for the behind-the-ear model of speech processor can typically last several days, while batteries used in the bodyworn processor normally last for around one week.  Rechargeable batteries for a bodyworn speech processor are similar to the smaller BTE batteries and may only last a few days.

Generally, if you are in noisy environments your speech processor works harder and therefore requires more battery power.

What type of batteries do the processors take?
Behind-the-ear processors use small high-powered, zinc-air style batteries similar to those used in hearing aids, while body worn processors normally use rechargeable or alkaline AA or AAA batteries (depending on the model). Your Cochlear Implant Team will be able to suggest the best battery type for your processor.

What is a ‘Microlink’?
A ‘Microlink’ is a miniaturised Radio Aid (FM) system for hearing aid and cochlear implant users. The Microlink state-of-the-art receiver attaches directly to the speech processor, enhancing speech understanding, particularly in difficult hearing situations. This tiny receiver is compatible with Phonak’s range of transmitters as well as those produced by other manufacturers. For more information refer to Phonak’s website.

Please contact your Cochlear Implant Team for more information.

Who invented cochlear implants?
Professor Graeme Clark of the University of Melbourne was the creator and developer of the world’s first multi-channel implant and is considered by many to be the father of the cochlear implant. Professor Clark continues to work closely with Cochlear to bring the gift of hearing to every child and adult who can benefit.

For more information about Cochlear and our heritage, please visit the Cochlear Corporate website.

Are cochlear implants covered by medical insurance?
For many people medical insurance or other forms of financial assistance will cover part or all of the cost of a cochlear implant. This depends on your country’s health care system. The implant centre staff can help you explore your options.

Extract from www.cochlear.com.au