For some individuals, traditional hearing aids may not provide enough benefit due to the type or severity of hearing loss. Implantable hearing devices offer another option by directly stimulating the auditory system, helping people experience a broader range of sounds and improve communication.
These devices include cochlear implants, auditory brainstem implants and bone-anchored hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, implantable devices bypass damaged parts of the ear and send signals directly to the auditory nerve or brainstem. This allows the brain to perceive sound more effectively, improving speech understanding and overall hearing.
At Ear, Nose & Throat Associates, our team guides you through every step—from evaluation and device selection to implantation and auditory rehabilitation—so you can adjust comfortably and reconnect with the sounds around you.
When Should I Consider a Hearing Implant?
Hearing implants may be a good option if:
- Hearing aids are no longer effective.
- You miss a significant portion of spoken words or rely heavily on lip reading, even with hearing aids.
- You have profound sensorineural hearing loss, a condition involving damage to the inner ear.
Our providers will work with you to determine which implant is best suited to your needs and lifestyle.
Which Hearing Implant Is Best for Me?
Cochlear implants are the most commonly used devices, but auditory brainstem implants may be recommended in specific cases, such as:
- Damage to the auditory nerve
- Structural differences in the inner ear
- Rare conditions such as neurofibromatosis type II (NF2)
Our audiologists will help guide you through these options, ensuring you understand the benefits, limitations and expected outcomes.
How Can Hearing Implants Help Children?
Cochlear implants are FDA-approved for children as young as 12 months. Early implantation can significantly impact speech, language and overall communication development. Research shows that children who receive implants and therapy before 18 months:
- Develop listening, speech and language skills at rates similar to peers with normal hearing
- Are better able to recognize sounds and communicate with others
- Often succeed in mainstream educational settings
What Happens After I Receive the Implant?
Following implantation and healing, your audiologist will program the device to match your hearing needs and teach you how to use and care for it. You will also receive aural therapy to help interpret the new sounds.
The length of rehabilitation varies depending on your goals and progress, and whether it’s short-term or ongoing, our team will support you every step of the way.
Our Team Is in Your Corner
Deciding on an implantable hearing device can feel overwhelming. Surgery and learning to interpret new sounds may seem daunting, but Ear, Nose & Throat Associates will guide you through every stage of the process. Our friendly staff and doctors provide compassionate care, ensuring you feel confident and supported. Schedule your appointment today.
Call Ear, Nose and Throat Associates at (260) 426-8117 for more information or to schedule an appointment.