A cochlear implant is a medical device that can be used in cases where there is hearing loss in both ears or one ear and this hearing loss cannot be corrected with a hearing aid or medication. While hearing aids increase the intensity of the sound, the cochlear implant fulfills the function of the problematic cochlea by sending sound signals to the brain through the auditory nerve in the cochlea (snail), the inner ear organ.
In other words, the Cochlear Implant converts sounds to coded electrical stimulations. transforms. These stimulations stimulate the auditory nerve and are perceived as sound by the brain.
To Whom Is It Applied?
It can be applied to anyone in any age group who has hearing problems, whether congenital or acquired, in both ears. It can also be applied to those who have tinnitus along with hearing loss.
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Children born with congenital hearing loss,
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Hearing loss due to autoimmune inner ear disease. Patients who cannot provide adequate amplification with their devices,
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Adults who have lost their hearing as a result of events such as previous sudden hearing loss, accident, disease, operation, etc.,
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Those with severe, profound and total hearing loss can benefit from this application
How is it applied?
The device consists of two parts, the inner part is attached surgically, the outer part is placed behind the ear after the post-operative wound healing is completed, the processor in the outer part receives the sounds and contacts the magnet in the inner part, ensuring that the sounds are transmitted to the inner ear.
How Does It Work?
It works with batteries, usually one battery per day is sufficient.
Who is not a suitable candidate for a Cochlear Implant?
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If he/she can provide adequate speech and understanding by benefiting from a hearing aid that is well-adjusted and given to the individual according to the nature of the hearing loss,
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If there is severe hearing loss that has not been rehabilitated for a very long time,
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If the cause of hearing loss is the absence of the auditory nerve,
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Cochlea, If it is too closed to place electrodes after infections such as meningitis
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If the person is prevented from receiving general anesthesia or having surgery,
What happens if there is no Cochlear Implant?
With the national newborn hearing screening program, hearing losses are diagnosed early, hearing development is increased with hearing aids and cochlear implants, and the development of deaf mute is prevented. People who cannot be diagnosed until the age of 4 and whose language development is not sufficient may not get the desired results even if an implant is made. .
If adequate understanding and speech discrimination cannot be achieved even if the adult age group uses a hearing aid, serious communication disorders occur. Disagreements, resentments and resentments within the family arise. Elderly individuals, who are sensitive due to advanced age, become isolated from society by being stuck with another obstacle due to hearing loss, but with the Cochlear implant, communication is provided to a significant extent and they become harmonious with the society.
When using a cochlear implant. What should be taken into consideration?
The external part of the cochlear implant device must always be dry.
Devices that use radio waves, such as mobile phones, may prevent the device from transmitting sound, even for a short time. A blow to the head should be avoided.
How is Cochlear Implant surgery performed?
For the candidate who is surgically and audiologically ready for the surgery, the Cochlear Implant operation takes approximately 2-2 days under general anesthesia. It takes 3 hours. The risk of the operation is equivalent to other ear operations. A small hole is made in the inner ear. The electrode carrier is inserted into the cochlea (inner ear). Electrode function is tested before the wound is closed. The stitches behind the ear are closed without leaving any scars. Patients who stand up on the same day are usually discharged from the hospital after 1 to 2 days.
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