Considering a Cochlear Implant? Here’s What You Should Know.

I’ve written about the cochlear implant and my own personal experiences with it many times on this blog, but a coworker suggested that I write a more detailed overview of the steps in the process of getting one.

First off, there’s an evaluation process.  When I first lost my hearing in my right ear, I was told I couldn’t get an implant because I have too much hearing in my left ear.  The other reason was that the sounds would be too different in each ear.

Periodically over the last 13 years, I’ve asked if I would be a candidate.  A surgeon at UNC finally agreed to let me go through the evaluation process.  It is battery of hearing tests to measure how well you hear at various pitches and how well you can understand speech.  In my case, they were only testing my good ear since my other one is completely deaf.

Following the hearing test, the audiologist explains how the implant works, and shows you the various types.  There are three companies: MED EL, Advanced Bionics, and Cochlear.  The one you pick depends on preference, and what the surgeon thinks is the best device for you.  I originally picked Cochlear, but my surgeon said MED EL was the only one with flexible electrode arrays designed for abnormal ear anatomies.

After evaluation is complete and you get approved, the audiologist presents your case to insurance.  Many insurance companies cover cochlear implants, but don’t cover hearing aids.  Following insurance approval, the surgery date is scheduled.  The surgery is outpatient.  There isn’t too much recovery invoked.  Some feel dizzy, others don’t.  Tinnitus after is common, but that goes away usually.

There are two parts: internal and external.  The candidate is put under general anesthesia.  The electrode arrays are inserted through the cochlea where they stimulate the auditory nerve.  The other part of the internal piece is threaded up under the skin and hair where it sits on the side of the candidate’s head.  There is a pretty significant bump where this piece lies, but it doesn’t hurt.  Any remaining natural hearing will have to be destroyed in the implanted ear.  Usually at that point, the hearing remaining is not helpful even with a hearing aid.

The external piece looks like a hearing aid that sits behind the ear, or it can also be clipped on a shirt like an mp3 player.  The main part of the processor is connected to a cord that leads to a round magnet.  The magnet is what goes in contact with the internal piece.  The processor comes in a variety of colors and styles.

Another component of deciding whether you qualify for a cochlear implant is determining whether you are physically and psychologically ready to go through the process of learning to hear with the “new ear.”  It is a long process with a lot of different ups and downs.  Throughout the first year, the audiologist makes adjustments.  They start out every 2 weeks for the first 6 weeks, then they stretch out after that.

What you hear with the implant depends on the individual and their circumstances.  I’ve heard in my right ear before, but it has been a long time, so it may take longer for my ear to adjust than someone who lost it more recently.  However, I am amazed at how quickly it has come to hold its own.

I was able to hear words within minutes through slow enunciation.  Following my two week mapping, I was able to carry on conversations, talk on the phone and listen to music.  There is still a long way to go before everything sounds “normal,” but it is certainly well on its way.

For me, at activation, everything sounded like beeps, then gradually shaped into words and sounds.  Many people describe it as sounding like chipmunks or on helium.  I think those are pretty accurate analogies.

Again, this is my own experience, and everyone’s is different.  It all depends on the surgeon, clinic, type of implant, and most importantly, your own ear.  I suggest attending the HLAA cochlear implant chat that meets every Monday at 8pm EST.  Many of the people who attend these chats have had a cochlear implant, or two for years, and can give a lot of valuable insight on everything relating to it.

The easiest way to get to the chat room is to go to http://myhearingloss.org/ and click the chat room button.  All you have to do is make up a username, and you’re in.  Just make sure to join the “CI chat” room instead of waiting around in the “Lobby”.

As a new cochlear implant user, I am making an effort to education everyone on the process, and if you have any more questions, feel free to leave comments or send an email.