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Cochlear implantsDeafness & hearing loss guideA cochlear implant is something that you could be offered if you are profoundly deaf but it is very important that you fully understand what is involved before you consider if this might be the right option for you. A cochlear implant is a device that is made up of two parts, an internal and an external part and can give the deaf person the sensation of hearing. The external part is very similar to a hearing aid and can be worn either clipped onto the clothing or worn on the head; sound then translates into electronic signals and is then sent to the internal part. The internal part is something which is implanted into the ear, into the cochlea, it picks up the electrical signals from the sound processor to the auditory nerve, and these signals are then recognised as sounds by your brain. Who are cochlear implants suitable for? Cochlear implants however aren't suitable for everyone, if you are profoundly deaf in both ears particularly from sensorineural deafness as this is due to damage to the tiny hairs in the cochlear and in order for the implant to work correctly then the hearing nerve has to work even though the cochlear doesn't. Also if you were born deaf then the implants might not work because in order to make sense of the sounds you hear through the implant then you need some previous memory of sound. If you developed your deafness when you were older then you will have already developed language skills and the operation could help you, the earlier you have it after becoming deaf the more benefit you would get from it. What does the assessment for the implant entail? Your doctor and the ENT specialist will be the ones that confer with you to decide if the implant would be beneficial to you, if it is decided that you would benefit from it then you will be sent to a specialist centre where the implant can take place. At the centre you will also see an audiological scientist, a speech and language therapist, a clinical psychologist and a social worker who specialises in helping deaf people. Some of the tests you could have during the assessment are: * A trial with the most recent hearing aids. * Audiological tests to see if you have any hearing. * A CT scan which will help to determine if there is anything to stop you having an implant. * Tests for your balance. * Tests to see if your hearing nerve will respond to electrical signals. * Psychological tests. During the assessment you will also be given counselling as to what to expect from the implant and once you have decided to have it then the waiting list will be around one month to a year. |
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