Could a Cochlear Implant Help Me?

Hearing aids help many people regain their sense of hearing, but they don’t work in every situation. Because each situation is unique, some patients might need other options. A cochlear implant is a device that stimulates the auditory nerve by using electrodes placed in the cochlea of the inner ear.

This technology provides an alternative for those who are deaf, significantly hard of hearing or have hearing loss that doesn’t respond to hearing aids. Our team at San Diego ENT can help you determine if a cochlear implant is the best choice for you.

The Evaluation Process

Implants are often used in the following circumstances:

• You’re experiencing hearing loss that is not helped by hearing aids.
• You miss more than half of spoken words or rely on lip reading, even with hearing aids.
• You have profound sensorineural hearing loss, a condition involving damage to your inner ear.

Our provider will help you determine if hearing implants would be a good fit for you. A cochlear implant evaluation typically includes:

• A medical evaluation and exam of your ears
• A hearing test
• A CT scan or an MRI

Surgery & Activation

Our team will explain the surgical and activation processes beforehand so you feel confident about what’s to come.

Cochlear implant surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes around two hours per ear to complete. Your surgeon will make a small incision behind your ear. The implant is placed under the skin, and the electrode is inserted into the inner ear.

To activate your device, your provider will provide you with a sound processor that is connected to your cochlear implant. 

Programming & Long-Term Care

During your activation appointment, your provider will fine-tune your device to your specific hearing needs. Your brain may need time to adjust as you start recognizing new sounds.

As you become acclimated to your new hearing experience, our team will be here to support you every step of the way. If your hearing needs change over time, we can recalibrate your device as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

 What Are Cochlear Implants?

A cochlear implant is a device that stimulates the auditory nerve by using electrodes placed in the cochlea of the inner ear. The external part of the device sits behind the ear and picks up sounds with a microphone. The sound is then transmitted to the implant.

How Do Cochlear Implants Work?

While hearing aids amplify sounds, implants bypass damaged portions of the ear to stimulate the auditory nerve directly. The implant generates signals that are transmitted through the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are recognized as sound. 

How Much Do Cochlear Implants Cost?

Without insurance, a cochlear implant can cost between $ 30,000 and $ 50,000.

Does Insurance Cover Cochlear Implants?

Most major insurance providers cover the cost of cochlear implants. Our team will help you explore the specifics of your insurance policy.

Can You Fly with Cochlear Implants?

You can fly with cochlear implants. Sometimes the implant may trigger metal detectors at airport security, so it is a good idea to let security staff know about your device beforehand. Additionally, because metal detectors may cause cochlear implants to make noise, you may want to remove or turn off your audio processor.