Cochlear implants
Cochlear implants - advice, service, adjustment and upgrade
Regardless of whether you want to find out more about cochlear implants, we have already provided you with hearing aids and for you after a hearing deterioration, the installation with a cochlear implant is a possibility to continue hearing or you are already a cochlear implant user, we are at your side with advice and action.
We offer you for cochlear implants:
- Consultation
- Repair service
- Spares
- Accessories
- Adjustment and customization
- Upgrades to the latest generation of hardware
- Connection with smartphone and Co.
If necessary, we will bill all services directly to your statutory health insurance. In doing so, we also take care of the appropriate approval from your health insurance company or support you in doing so. The same applies to other payers.
Hearing without limits: How cochlear implants restore hearing and, above all, understanding to those with severe to deafness, deaf and deaf
Imagine living in silence in a world full of sounds. For people with profound hearing loss or deafness, this is the reality. However, thanks to the remarkable progress in medical technology, there is now hope for people facing these challenges. Cochlear implants have revolutionized the way we perceive and experience sounds, and are a kind of lifeline for severely hearing and deaf people.
These tiny electronic devices are able to reproduce hearing and, above all, understanding to people who were previously limited by their deafness. In this article, we explore the incredible world of cochlear implants, how they work, who can benefit from them, and the life-changing effect they have on the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people. Be amazed by the stories of resilience, triumphs, and the true power of technology that allows people to hear without limitations.
Introduction to cochlear implants
Cochlear implants are medical devices that help people with severe hearing loss or deafness hear again. They consist of two main components: an external speech processor and an internal implant. The external speech processor picks up the sound and converts it into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the internal implant. The implant sends these signals directly to the auditory nerve, which transmits them to the brain, where they are perceived as sound. The combination of the external speech processor and the internal implant allows users to hear sounds and understand speech again.
Cochlear implants are not hearing aids in the traditional sense. While hearing aids amplify sound to help people with hearing loss, cochlear implants directly stimulate the auditory nerve to provide a hearing experience. This is especially helpful for people with severe hearing loss or deafness for whom traditional hearing aids are no longer sufficient.
The technology behind cochlear implants is fascinating and has the potential to fundamentally change the lives of people with hearing loss. Now let’s take a closer look at how cochlear implants work.
How cochlear implants work
The process of sound processing and listening experience is complex, and cochlear implants are designed to mimic these processes and stimulate the brain with electrical signals that are perceived as sound. The first step is to catch the sound. This is done by the external speech processor, which is equipped with a microphone. The microphone captures the sound and converts it into electrical signals.
The electrical signals are then relayed to the speech processor, which analyzes them and divides them into specific frequency ranges. These frequency ranges correspond to the different frequency ranges of hearing. Each frequency range is assigned to a specific area of the cochlea, the part of the inner ear responsible for sound processing.
The internal implant, which is surgically inserted into the cochlea, consists of tiny electrodes that are placed in the cochlea. These electrodes stimulate the auditory nerve fibers and send the electrical signals directly to the auditory nerve. From there, the signals are transmitted to the brain, where they are perceived as sound.
The way cochlear implants work is impressive, but not everyone with hearing loss is a suitable candidate for this technology. Now let’s look at who can benefit from cochlear implants.
It is important to note that cochlear implants do not provide a complete restoration of natural hearing. Sound perception with cochlear implants is different from natural sound perception. It may take some time for users to get used to the new sounds and artificial sound processing. Nevertheless, cochlear implants offer an excellent opportunity for people with severe hearing loss or deafness to re-immerse themselves in the world of hearing.
Benefits of cochlear implants
Cochlear implants offer a variety of benefits for people with severe hearing loss or deafness. The most obvious advantage is the ability to hear sounds and understand speech again. For people who were previously cut off from the world of hearing, this can be a life-changing experience.
By restoring hearing and understanding, cochlear implants allow users to communicate better with other people. You can have conversations, listen to music and enjoy the sounds of nature. This has a positive impact on their social relationships, emotional health, and overall quality of life.
Cochlear implants also offer benefits for children with hearing loss. With the early use of cochlear implants, children can achieve better language development and communicate more easily with their peers. This enables them to integrate optimally into society and improve their educational opportunities.
Suitability for cochlear implants
Not everyone with hearing loss or deafness is a suitable candidate for cochlear implants. Eligibility depends on several factors, including the degree of hearing loss, the cause of the hearing loss, and the patient’s individual needs and goals.
Typically, cochlear implants are recommended for people with severe to complete hearing loss in one or both ears. People with mild to moderate hearing loss may benefit from other hearing aids or devices. But even with moderate hearing loss, it is worth taking a closer look – it always depends on the ability to understand speech.
A thorough evaluation by a team of professionals, including master audiologists, otolaryngologists and psychologists, is required to determine eligibility for cochlear implants. This evaluation includes hearing tests, evaluation of the anatomical structures of the ear, and consideration of the patient’s individual needs.
The process of cochlear implantation - evaluation, surgery and activation
The cochlear implantation process involves several steps, starting with the evaluation and verification of suitability for implantation. As mentioned earlier, this is done by a team of professionals who thoroughly examine and evaluate the patient.
After the suitability has been established, the surgical procedure is performed to implant the internal implant. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and requires a small incision behind the ear to access the cochlea. The implant is carefully inserted into the cochlea and the electrodes are placed.
After the operation, the cochlear implant is activated. This involves adapting the external speech processor to the individual needs of the user. The audiologist ensures that the speech processor is working properly and that users have the best listening experience.
The activation of the cochlear implant is an exciting moment for users as they can hear sounds for the first time in a long time. It is important to note that adapting to the cochlear implant takes time and practice. Users need to learn to interpret and understand the new sounds.
The permanent aftercare and programming of the processor is carried out by us – your master audiologist.
When it comes to maintenance, repair, expansion with accessories and pairing with your smartphone, tablet, TV and other multimedia devices, we offer you the best service.
Post-implantation rehabilitation and aftercare
Post-cochlear implantation rehabilitation is an important part of the process. Through rehabilitation, users learn how to get the most out of their cochlear implant and how to further improve their new hearing skills.
Rehabilitation often involves participating in special listening training sessions in which users learn to identify and understand sounds. The audiologists and speech therapists work closely with users to help them adjust to the cochlear implant and improve their speech and hearing skills.
Post-implantation follow-up is also important to ensure that the cochlear implant is working properly and that users are getting good results. Regular checks and adjustments to the speech processor are part of the aftercare.
Challenges and considerations for cochlear implants
Although cochlear implants are an amazing technology, there are also challenges and considerations that should be taken into account. The decision to have a cochlear implant is a personal and individual choice that should be carefully considered.
It is important to note that cochlear implants are not suitable for everyone and do not produce the same results for everyone. Individual perception of sounds can vary, and some users may need additional support to get the most out of their cochlear hearing implant.
The cost of cochlear implants may also be a consideration. Implantation and the process of rehabilitation can be expensive, and not all health insurance companies fully cover these costs. It is important to carefully consider the financial aspects and look for ways to support them.
In addition, it is important to pay attention to realistic expectations. Cochlear implants do not provide a complete restoration of natural hearing, and it may take some time for users to get used to the new sounds. It is important to have patience and perseverance and work closely with professionals to achieve the best possible result.