Question: My mother was approved through her insurance for cochlear implants, but she decided against it because she didn’t want to destroy what hearing she has, which isn’t much. Could she be a candidate for something else that would not completely destroy her hearing? Are there any cochlear implantation alternatives available? She is hoping for maybe something else like stem cell advances. Is there any hope for her? My mother is 76 years old.
Answer:
Your mother’s question is quite common. It is a bit misunderstood that hearing is “destroyed” from cochlear implants or cochlear implantation. We always aim to preserve residual hearing during surgery, but it really is of little benefit. While it is true that standard hearing aids will not benefit her after implantation, the implant will give her far more benefit than her hearing aids do. When it comes to cochlear implants, often adults benefit immediately and continue to improve for roughly three months after their initial tuning session. Most people with implants can perceive soft, medium, and loud sounds. Allowing them to hear common everyday sounds, such as the sound of a light switch, a door slamming shut, footsteps, and the rustling of leaves. Many people with cochlear implants can regain the ability to make telephone calls, listen to music, understand speech, as well as the ability to watch and hear the television.
However, it is important to realize that improvements can be gradual. A user’s performance can continue to improve for several years after implantation. Nonetheless, when it comes to cochlear implants, the benefits far outweigh the risks in regards to a patient who may lose any remaining hearing in the implanted ear. In other words, nobody ever complains about this after the implant. Any worries quickly vanish once the implant is activated.
Thank you for your question
Neil Sperling MD
New York Otolaryngology Group
Frequently Asked Questions
Although cochlear implants involve inserting an electrode array into the cochlea, surgeons aim to preserve any residual hearing during the implantation. However, the preservation of residual hearing usually offers little practical benefit compared to the improvements provided by the implant. Most patients experience significant hearing gains that outweigh any minor loss of residual natural hearing.
Currently, cochlear implants are the most effective solution for significant hearing loss where hearing aids are insufficient. While research into treatments such as stem cells is ongoing, these are not yet available or proven for hearing restoration. Thus, patients with severe hearing loss typically consider cochlear implants as the primary option for meaningful hearing improvement.
Adults receiving cochlear implants often experience immediate benefits, with continued improvement over several months as the device is tuned. Many regain the ability to perceive everyday sounds like footsteps or door slams, make telephone calls, listen to music, and understand speech. Performance improvements can continue gradually for years after the implantation.
Age alone is not a contraindication for cochlear implantation. Many older adults, including those in their 70s, benefit greatly from the procedure. The key consideration is the patient's overall health and hearing profile, rather than chronological age.
Typically, standard hearing aids are no longer beneficial in the implanted ear after receiving a cochlear implant because the implant directly stimulates the auditory nerve. However, hearing aids may still be used in the non-implanted ear if residual hearing is present there.
Most patients notice hearing improvements immediately upon initial activation of their cochlear implant. These gains often continue to improve steadily during the following three months with tuning and therapy, and some users experience gradual enhancements for several years afterward.
