The Cochlear Implant

22 Channel Cochlear Implant

The 22-Channel Cochlear Implant is an electronic device designed to restore sound to people who are profoundly deaf. It can provide useful hearing and improve communication for those people who gain little or no benefit from hearing aids.

Who Can Benefit?

Those people who have a profound hearing loss in each ear and cannot be helped by hearing aids are potential candidates for a cochlear implant. Individuals who were once able to hear well seem to gain the most benefit. Family support and a genuine desire to be a part of the hearing community are also important factors.

How Does It Work?

Most cases of deafness are because of damage to the hair cells (receptors of the sound waves) within the inner ear. Event hough we sometimes refer to this condition as "nerve deafness," the actual nerve fibers are usually less severely injured than the hair cells. Those surviving nerve fibers are still able to send impulses (sound) to the brain if they are properly stimulated. The cochlear implant provides that stimulus.

What Does It Consist Of?

This device consists of five parts, two which are surgically implanted and three which are worn externally: 1 ) Microphone - picks up the sound; it can be worn on a small clip or band that fits behind the ear. 2) Speech Processor - receives the sound signal and selects and codes certain features important for understanding speech; the processor can be worn on a belt or carried in a pocket. 3) Transmitter - receives the coded signals from the speech processor and sends them via electromagnetic waves through the skin to the receiver; the transmitter attaches magnetically to the skin behind the ear and is positioned just over the implanted receiver. 4) Receiver - decodes the signals from the transmitter and sends them to the appropriate electrodes; it is implanted on the mastoid bone behind the ear, and it contains a magnet as does the transmitter. 5) 22-Channel Electrode Array - electrically stimulates the remaining nerve fibers; it is attached to the receiver and is inserted into the inner ear.

Benefits & Limitations

After receiving the implant and completing the rehabilitation program, people are once again able to hear sound, including some soft sounds and a variety of pitches. The cochlear implant does not restore normal hearing, but an awareness of environmental sounds is possible and communication is facilitated. In about one-third of the individuals, speech is sufficiently clear to permit understanding without lip reading; occasionally, limited use of the telephone is possible. In almost all patients, lip reading is significantly improved. People report feeling more secure, more self-confident, and less isolated after the implant.

What Is Involved?

1) Preliminary tests by your ear specialist and audiologist are necessary to determine if a cochlear implant is indicated.

2) Personal contact with another cochlear implant patient or attendance at a cochlear implant support group is recommended. In this way a person can gain first hand experience about the benefits and limitations of the cochlear implant.

3) Surgery for the cochlear implant requires a general anesthesia and a 2-3 day hospital stay.

4) One month after surgery the external parts of the implant are given to the patient and a 10-day rehabilitation program is begun. During this time, the speech processor is programmed and each of the 22 electrodes is "fine-tuned".

How can the Lions of Virginia help?

The Lions of Virginia are active in providing assistance to individuals with hearing impairments.