A hearing implant is a surgical procedure to place a device in a person who is dealing with hearing loss. Hearing loss is a growing problem in both adults and children. Although, the cause of hearing loss varies. Depending on the cause and type of hearing loss, the person may be suggested to get a hearing implant if they don’t benefit from medication or hearing aids.
During the hearing implant procedure, the surgeon places an electronic device behind the ear or in the skull to improve hearing.
The types of hearing implants are: cochlear implants, bone conduction devices, middle ear implants and brain stem implants. There are different types of hearing implants. The one which is most relevant for a person with hearing loss depends on the cause and the type of hearing loss.
There are four different types of hearing implants, namely: cochlear implant, bone conduction device, middle ear implant, and brain stem implants. The type of implant that is right for you depends on the patient type and cause of hearing loss. However, in most of the cases, hearing implants are suitable for those candidates who do not benefit from hearing aids.
Let’s discuss each type of hearing implant in detail.
Types of hearing implants
- Cochlear implant: Cochlear is a device that stimulates sound to the brain through the auditory nerve. It helps people with hearing problems to understand sound even if they have damaged hair cells in the inner ear or those dealing with profound hearing loss. There are two main components to a cochlear implant; the implant itself, which is inside the cochlear organ and the highly compact external processor, which can be worn on or off the ear. This processor is connected to the head through a tiny magnet.
- Bone conduction: Bone conduction also known as the bone-anchored hearing implant is a device that converts sound into vibration. The sound is transmitted to the inner ear primarily through the bones of the skull. It is suitable for people with conductive or mild hearing loss. Check: audiologist in Delhi
- Middle ear implant: This type of implant is suitable for those suffering from mild-moderate mixed or conductive hearing loss or sensorineural hearing loss. It is often recommended to that person who has hearing loss due to ear infection, skin problem, narrow ear, outer ear infection, or closed eardrums.
- Auditory brainstem implants: These are suitable for persons with complete hearing loss or profound sensorineural hearing loss. The drive converts sound into signals that are sent directly to the brain, bypassing the auditory nerve.
Who should get a hearing implant?
A hearing implant is best for individuals who have:
- Mild to profound hearing loss
- Hearing loss after they have developed speech and language
- Do not benefit from hearing aids
- Who can undergo surgical treatment
- A stronger will to hear again
If you have a hearing problem then you must visit an audiologist. An audiologist will perform a test to evaluate the condition. Upon the hearing screening, your doctor may suggest a suitable treatment for hearing loss which can be implanted. In order to determine if you are the right candidate for a hearing implant, you must get your hearing checked by an ear doctor in Delhi.