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COCHLEAR™ IMPLANTS/BAHA

Need an evaluation for a Cochlear Implant? Book an appointment now! 

WHAT IS A COCHLEAR IMPLANT?


A cochlear implant is an electronic device that restores partial hearing to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who do not benefit from a conventional hearing aid. 

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It is surgically implanted in the inner ear and activated by a device worn outside the ear. Unlike a hearing aid, it does not make the sound louder or clearer. Instead, the device bypasses damaged parts of the auditory system (cochlear)and directly stimulates the nerve of hearing, allowing individuals who are profoundly hearing impaired to receive sound.

 

How Does a Cochlear Implant Work?

Cochlear implants bypass damaged hair cells and convert speech and environmental sounds into electrical signals and send these signals to the hearing nerve.

Cochlear Implants:

A cochlear implant has two main components: an internal component that consists of a small electronic device that is surgically implanted under the skin behind the ear, connected to electrodes that are inserted inside the cochlea and an external component, usually worn behind the ear that consists of a speech processor, microphone, and battery compartment.

  1. Microphones on the sound processor pick up sounds and the processor converts them into digital information.
  2. This information is transferred through the coil to the implant just under the skin.
  3. The implant sends electrical signals down the electrode into the cochlea.
  4. The hearing nerve fibers in the cochlea pick up the signals and send them to the brain, giving the sensation of sound


WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR A COCHLEAR IMPLANT?

  • Have severe to profound hearing loss in both ears
  • Have had limited benefit from hearing aids
  • Have no other medical problems that would make the surgery risky
  • Have a strong desire to be part of the hearing world and communicate through listening, speaking, and speechreading


WHEN WILL I START HEARING?


Your surgeon and your implant audiologist (hearing doctor) will work very closely with you. After you have been cleared by your surgeon after 1 month, you will see the implant audiologist for activation. They will be with you in learning how to hear with your cochlear implant and help you along the way to learn how to hear using your cochlear implant. 

Learning to hear from your implant may take some time. You will make routine visits to the hearing doctor's office for follow-up and readjustment of the speech processor as needed. 

We are dedicated to connecting you to the world through hearing.


WHAT IS A BAHA?


BAHA is an implantable hearing device used to treat hearing loss. The device works by directly stimulating the inner ear through the bone. coch-2BAHA is used to improve hearing in patients with chronic ear infections, congenital external auditory canal atresia (when the ear canal does not develop) or one-sided deafness who cannot benefit from regular hearing aids
How does a BAHA system work?

The system works by taking the sound from the outside and transmitting it to the inner ear through the bone. This bypasses the ear canal and the middle ear. A titanium implant is placed during a minor surgical procedure and over time integrates with the bone behind the ear. The hearing device transmits sound vibrations through the titanium implant to the skull and the inner ear – where the hearing takes place.

We have otolaryngologist hearing specialists that work in different offices. So call 281-649-7000 to schedule an appointment in a clinic nearest you to determine if you are a candidate for a Cochlear Implant or BAHA system.

Our Houston ENT & Allergy-Otology and Neurotology Surgeons