COCHLEAR IMPLANTS: A NEW WORLD OF SOUND FOR SEVERE HEARING LOSS

What is a Cochlear Implant?

A cochlear implant is a special electronic device designed to help people with severe to profound hearing loss who get little or no benefit from hearing aids.

Unlike hearing aids—which simply amplify sounds—a cochlear implant directly stimulates the hearing nerve, allowing many people to hear sounds, understand speech, and reconnect with the world around them.

How Does It Work?

A cochlear implant has two main parts:

  • External Sound Processor: Worn behind the ear, it captures sound and converts it into digital signals.

  • Internal Implant: Surgically placed under the skin, it sends electrical signals to electrodes in the inner ear (cochlea), which then stimulate the hearing nerve.

These signals travel to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.

Who Can Benefit from a Cochlear Implant?

You might be a good candidate if:

- You have severe to profound hearing loss in one or both ears.
- Hearing aids no longer provide enough clarity for understanding speech.
- You are motivated to improve your hearing and willing to participate in follow-up care and listening practice.

Cochlear implants can be life-changing for:

  • Adults who have lost hearing over time

  • Children born with significant hearing loss

  • People with sudden, irreversible hearing loss

What are the Benefits?

  • Improved ability to understand speech, even in noisy places

  • Better detection of environmental sounds (e.g. doorbells, alarms, birds singing)

  • Increased confidence in social situations

  • For children: better development of speech and language skills

While a cochlear implant does not restore normal hearing, it often provides significant improvement over hearing aids for those with severe-profound loss.

What is the Surgery Like?

  • Done under general anaesthesia

  • Takes about 1–2 hours

  • Usually day surgery or one-night hospital stay

  • Most people return to normal activities in a few days

What Happens After Surgery?

  • Often a day after surgery, the device is switched on and programmed (called activation).

  • You will work with audiologists and habilitationists/rehabilitationists to adjust settings and learn how to interpret new sounds.

  • Ongoing practice and appointments help you get the most benefit from your implant.

Are There Risks?

Cochlear implants are generally very safe, but as with any surgery, there are small risks, including:

  • Infection

  • Dizziness

  • Changes in taste

  • Device failure (rare)

Your surgeon will discuss these in detail before proceeding.

Key Takeaway

Cochlear implants can transform lives for people with severe to profound hearing loss. They open up the possibility of understanding speech, enjoying conversations, and reconnecting with family, friends, and the world.

If hearing aids no longer help, talk to your ENT specialist or audiologist about whether a cochlear implant might be right for you.