If you have hearing loss, it may be hard to follow conversations, even with hearing aids. You may hear sounds but not make out words, struggle to hear in noisy places or feel left out because you miss things. For some adults and children, a cochlear implant may help improve access to sound and speech.
At Banner Health, our ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists and hearing experts can evaluate your hearing, explain your options and help you decide whether a cochlear implant may be right for you.
A cochlear implant is a surgically placed device that sends sound signals to the auditory (hearing) nerve. The hair cells in your cochlea normally send these signals but they may be damaged if you have hearing loss.
Unlike a hearing aid, which makes sound louder, a cochlear implant sends sound signals to the brain in a different way. It does not restore normal hearing but if you have certain types of hearing loss, it may help you understand speech better.
Cochlear implants are most often used to treat sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss happens when your inner ear doesn’t process sound normally.
Cochlear implants have two parts that connect to each other magnetically:
The external part of the cochlear implant has a sound processor that picks up sound and changes it to signals. The internal part sends the signals to your auditory nerve. With time and practice, your brain can learn to understand these signals as sound.
Cochlear implants:
You may want to be evaluated for a cochlear implant if you:
Whether you’re a candidate may depend on hearing tests, medical history, imaging, speech understanding, age, goals and insurance.
Ask about an evaluation if you:
If hearing aids are no longer helping enough, ask an ENT specialist or audiologist whether a cochlear implant evaluation may be right for you.
An audiologist checks how well you hear with and without hearing aids. An ENT specialist or ear surgeon checks whether there are medical reasons for your hearing loss and whether surgery may be safe and appropriate.
A cochlear implant evaluation may include:
When you get a cochlear implant, a surgeon places the internal part under your skin and into your inner ear. It’s usually done under general anesthesia and takes about two hours. You may go home the same day, depending on your health and care plan.
The device is not turned on the same day as surgery. It is usually activated after your surgical area has healed. During activation, an audiologist turns on and programs the device. This is sometimes called mapping.
Sound through a cochlear implant does not sound the same as normal hearing and your brain needs time to adapt. Your audiologist will adjust settings during follow-up visits. You may have auditory rehabilitation to help your brain learn how to use the new sound signals.
You may notice some benefit early. Over time, improvement may slow down but it can continue for years.
While a cochlear implant can be an effective treatment for severe hearing loss, it does not sound like natural hearing. At first, voices may sound unusual, mechanical, robotic, high-pitched or unclear. With time, programming and practice, you may learn to understand speech more clearly.
Music may sound different and might be harder to enjoy.
Possible benefits may include:
Outcomes can be different depending on your age, length of hearing loss, hearing nerve function, other health conditions and follow-up care.
Possible risks and side effects may include:
Cochlear implants are approved for children who have severe hearing loss age 9 months and older. This early access to sound supports speech and language development.
Children need a team-based approach, including ENT, audiology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, school support and family training. You should talk to your child’s care team about your communication options and long-term support needs.
Many plans cover cochlear implants. Coverage depends on your insurance plan, diagnosis, test results and medical criteria.
You may still have out-of-pocket costs. Maintenance, replacement parts, batteries, accessories and upgrades may be covered differently. Banner Health can help you understand next steps but you should confirm coverage with your insurer.
You need to wear the external processor to receive sound from the cochlear implant. You’ll need to maintain the device, charge the batteries and replace parts over time. You may also need to plan ahead for swimming, contact sports or MRI scans.
You should always tell health care providers that you have a cochlear implant before any medical tests or procedures.
At Banner Health, our ENT and audiology specialists can provide a full evaluation, so you understand what’s causing your hearing loss and how severe it is. We help you compare your options, including hearing aids, implantable hearing devices and cochlear implants. And we support you through your evaluation, surgery, activation and follow-up care.
If your hearing aids are not helping enough, schedule an appointment with a Banner Health ENT or hearing specialist to learn whether a cochlear implant evaluation may be right for you.
No. A cochlear implant does not restore natural hearing. It sends sound signals to the hearing nerve in a new way. With time and practice, many people learn to understand speech better.
Yes. Adults with significant hearing loss who do not benefit enough from hearing aids may be candidates. An evaluation can determine whether a cochlear implant may help.
Yes. Some children with hearing loss may be candidates. Children need a full hearing and medical evaluation, plus long-term support for speech, language and communication.
In some cases, yes. Cochlear implant candidacy has expanded over time and may include some people with single-sided deafness or uneven hearing loss. A specialist can explain whether this single-sided deafness treatment is an option for you.
Adjustment varies. Some people notice benefits early, while others need months of programming and listening practice. Progress can continue over time.
It often is, but it depends on your health, your surgeon’s recommendation and your care plan. Many people go home the same day.
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