Cochlear implantation is a surgical procedure performed by otolaryngology surgeons.

Appropriately identified adults as well as profoundly deaf children (aged 12 months or older) can be implanted. Research demonstrates that the earlier a deaf child is implanted, the better the long term result will be with respect to speech and language development. Following surgery, rehabilitation is necessary, as the child must learn to associate the sound signals with normal sounds. Regarding deaf adults, research suggests that adults who receive cochlear implants are less lonely, have less social anxiety, are more independent, have increased social and interpersonal skills, and of course, they hear better with the cochlear implant! The majority of cochlear implant recipients wearing digital cochlear implants are able to use the telephone.

Cochlear implants are utilized in the patient who cannot benefit from hearing aids. The cochlear implant is a device used to bypass the nonfunctional inner ear and converts sound into electrical impulses that directly stimulate the cochlear nerve. The implant consists of an external portion comprised of a microphone, sound processor, and external coil and an internal portion that must be surgically implanted. The surgical procedure involves the placement of an internal receiver beneath the skin behind the ear, and a stimulating electrode array is inserted into the cochlea. The electrical signals are manipulated and controlled by the audiologist to maximize speech perception. The brain interprets these electrical impulses as sound. Again, not all patients are surgical candidates, and not all cochlear implant recipients receive the same benefit.

It is important to remember that the vast majority of patients who receive cochlear implants are actually "deaf" prior to implantation and they have not been successful with traditional hearing aids. Your audiologist is a very knowledgeable resource regarding cochlear implants and will be happy to discuss them with you.