{"id":237,"date":"2021-01-15T18:46:54","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T23:46:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehearinginstitute.fm1.dev\/hearing-clinic\/implants\/"},"modified":"2021-08-09T12:15:58","modified_gmt":"2021-08-09T16:15:58","slug":"implants","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thehearinginstitute.org\/hearing-clinic\/implants\/","title":{"rendered":"Implants"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What are implantable hearing devices?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Implantable hearing devices are surgically implanted instruments designed to improve the transmission of sound vibrations by directly stimulating the bones of the middle ear. There are several different types of implantable hearing devices; these include cochlear implants, bone anchored hearing aids and auditory brainstem implants.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How do implantable hearing devices work?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Implantable hearing devices work by stimulating the bones of the middle ear (ossicles) rather than amplifying sounds in the ear canal. This strengthens sound vibrations in the inner ear, and enables those with sensorineural hearing loss to be able to communicate.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Why is an implantable hearing device better than a hearing aid?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Implantable hearing devices are less prone to feedback issues that can bedevil those who wear hearing aids, and some devices can be kept in place while a patient bathes and exercises.\"\n    }\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is a cochlear implant?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Cochlear implants are devices that are implanted surgically behind the ear. They contain an external portion consisting of a microphone, sound processor and transmitter, and an internal portion that includes a receiver and a group of electrodes.\"\n    }\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How does a cochlear implant work?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The microphone picks up sounds in the environment, which are then converted by the sound processor into electronic signals that are sent to the transmitter. The transmitter forwards these signals to the receiver, where they are then passed on to the electrodes. The electrodes stimulate the auditory nerve, which carries the information directly to the brain, where it is interpreted as sound.\"\n    }\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What are the parts of a bone anchored hearing device?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Bone anchored hearing devices consist of a titanium implant, an external abutment and a sound processor. Like cochlear implants, this system bypasses damaged hair cells in the auditory canal and middle ear, transmitting sound vibrations through the external abutment to the titanium implant, which naturally integrates (\u201cossifies\u201d) with the skull bone over time\"\n    }\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How do bone anchored hearing devices work?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The bones of the skull act as conductors, transmitting these sound vibrations to the inner ear, where the nerve fibers responsible for hearing are stimulated. A bone anchored hearing device is especially useful for patients with conductive hearing loss and single-sided deafness.\"\n    }\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is an auditory brainstem implant?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Auditory brainstem implants (ABI) are similar in concept to cochlear implants, but rely on electrodes placed directly on the brainstem that relay electronic signals to the brain. ABIs are less common, usually reserved for individuals whose auditory nerve does not function properly due to disease or trauma.\"\n    }\n\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"When is an authority brainstem implant commonly used?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"The majority of cases are related to a rare type of tumor known as neurofibromatosis type II (NF2). These patients have sensorineural hearing loss and, because the auditory nerve is damaged, do not benefit from cochlear implants.\"\n      }\n\n  }]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/thehearinginstitute.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/child-with-cochlear-implant-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-561\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thehearinginstitute.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/child-with-cochlear-implant-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/thehearinginstitute.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/child-with-cochlear-implant-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thehearinginstitute.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/child-with-cochlear-implant-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thehearinginstitute.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/child-with-cochlear-implant.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing aids are a boon to millions of Americans with hearing loss. But as well as they perform, they do have their limitations. They won\u2019t work for <a href=\"https:\/\/thehearinginstitute.org\/hearing-clinic\/hearing-loss\/\">all types of hearing loss<\/a>, and some people find them too uncomfortable to wear or complain of the \u201cocclusion effect\u201d they produce in the ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They <a href=\"https:\/\/thehearinginstitute.org\/hearing-clinic\/hearing-aid-maintenance\/\">must be cleaned frequently<\/a>, their batteries need replacing on a regular basis constant exposure to heat, humidity and earwax buildup in the ear canal makes them prone to damage. For some individuals, implantable hearing devices might be the key to improved communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Implantable hearing devices are surgically implanted instruments designed to improve the transmission of sound vibrations by directly stimulating the bones of the middle ear. There are several different types of implantable hearing devices; these include cochlear implants and bone anchored hearing aids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cochlear Implants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cochlear implants are devices that are implanted surgically behind the ear. They contain an external portion consisting of a microphone, sound processor and transmitter, and an internal portion that includes a receiver and a group of electrodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The microphone picks up sounds in the environment, which are then converted by the sound processor into electronic signals that are sent to the transmitter. The transmitter forwards these signals to the receiver, where they are then passed on to the electrodes. The electrodes stimulate the auditory nerve, which carries the information directly to the brain, where it is interpreted as sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cochlear implants allow those who are profoundly deaf to understand speech and other sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cochlear Implant Candidacy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the tiny hair cells in the cochlea of the inner ear. In patients with severe sensorineural damage, sound cannot reach the auditory nerve. In these cases, hearing aids are not a sufficient treatment plan and your hearing loss doctor may recommend a cochlear implant evaluation. The devices bypass the damaged hair cells entirely and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. While cochlear implants do not result in restored or cured hearing, they do allow for the perception of sounds and can help patients hear within normal ranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once someone is referred to Heuser Hearing Clinic\u2019s cochlear implant center, a thorough assessment is completed to determine whether they are a suitable candidate. This evaluation usually includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"list-col-2\"><li>Extensive audiological testing<\/li><li>Physical examination<\/li><li>Psychological testing<\/li><li>X-rays<\/li><li>MRI<\/li><li>Counseling to ensure suitability and motivation to participate in the process long term<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important that the candidate understands what a cochlear implant will and will not do and the commitment required for care and follow-up services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Is Best Suited for a Cochlear Implant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adults<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best adult candidates are those who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Have severe to profound hearing loss in both ears<\/li><li>Have had limited benefit from hearing aids<\/li><li>Have no significant problems that would make the surgery risky<\/li><li>Have a strong desire to be part of the hearing world and communicate through listening, speaking, and speech reading<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Children are considered eligible for cochlear implants based on the above criteria and must fall under the FDA\u2019s age restriction:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Children ages 12 to 23 months with profound deafness<\/li><li>Children ages 24 months and up with severe to profound deafness<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cochlear Implant Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Treating hearing loss with cochlear implants is not a one-step process. Once you\u2019ve worked with a Heuser Hearing Clinic otologist, audiologist and\/or surgeon and decided cochlear implants are the right option for you or your child, treatment will begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the internal component is implanted and healed, you will be fitted with the external portion of the implant and the device will be mapped for your individual hearing needs using advanced programming technology. After mapping the implant, you should expect to return to our Louisville cochlear implant center regularly for follow-ups, adjustments and training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cochlear implant users will also receive extensive rehabilitation services from our audiologists and speech-language pathologists as they learn to listen, improve speech, use speech reading and manage communication. Patients are taught how to use the implant and respond to the sounds received. For those who have heard before, sounds through the cochlear implant may seem unnatural at first. Those who have never heard must learn about each sound. Adults implant patients are encouraged to participate in our group rehabilitation course post-implantation. Group classes include rehabilitation exercises, understanding how to use the processor, telephone training, music appreciation and practice for real-life difficult listening situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bone Conduction Hearing Aids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bone Conduction Hearing Aids are osseointegrated hearing devices that rely on direct bone conduction to transmit sound. This surgically implanted device bypasses the auditory canal and middle ear, utilizing bones as a pathway for sound to reach the middle ear. It\u2019s an alternative for people with chronic ear infections, congenital external auditory canal atresia and single-sided deafness. These patients usually do not benefit from conventional hearing aids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do Bone Conduction Hearing Aids Work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In a person with normal hearing, sound enters the external ear and travels down the ear canal through the middle ear to the cochlea, or inner ear. This process is called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.asha.org\/public\/hearing\/pure-tone-testing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">air conduction<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For individuals with certain types of hearing loss, sound is unable to travel down these pathways. The bone conduction system takes advantage of the bones\u2019 natural conductive abilities by sending sound vibrations directly to your inner ear, bypassing the auditory canal and middle ear completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The device is made up of three components: a titanium implant, an external abutment and a sound processor. Once the surgical implant is in place, it gradually fuses with the skull bone over a period of several months in a process known as osseointegration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The unit is then ready to be fit and programmed. The sound processor transmits vibrations through the external abutment to the implant, where vibrations in the skull and inner ear stimulate the nerve fibers responsible for hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bone conduction hearing aids are a safe and effective FDA-approved treatment alternative that enables many hearing-impaired individuals to communicate more effectively. It has been available in the U.S. since 1977.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Can Benefit from Bone Conduction Hearing Aids?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Candidates are typically patients with conductive and mixed hearing losses, or those with unilateral (single-sided) hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you experience chronic ear infections that do not respond to treatment, you may find this system particularly beneficial. Conventional hearing aids can aggravate the condition due to humidity and moisture building up in the ear canals. Those with congenital ear defects (such as ear canals that are narrow or absent) are good candidates, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>Call <span class=\"company-name \">Heuser Hearing Institute<\/span> at <a href=\"tel:+15025843573\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(502) 584-3573<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hearing aids are a boon to millions of Americans with hearing loss. But as well as they perform, they do have their limitations. They won\u2019t work for all types of hearing loss, and some people find them too uncomfortable to wear or complain of the \u201cocclusion effect\u201d they produce in the ear. They must be&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":212,"menu_order":12,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"(502) 584-3573 | Implantable hearing aids can help patients with profound sensorineural hearing loss to hear again. 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