A cochlear implant provides access to sounds for people who get little or no benefit from hearing aids. It is a highly technical medical device consisting of internal and external parts and is designed to bypass damaged hair cells in the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. The brain experiences this stimulation as sound sensation.
The visible parts of a cochlear implant are called the speech processor and transmitting coil. It consists of a microphone, batteries and a mini-computer that analyses incoming sounds and converts them into digital signals. These signals are then transmitted through the skin via the coil to the internal implant by means of radio waves.
Sound Processor Freedom Device
· A severe to profound hearing loss has been diagnosed.
· Hearing aids are unable to help your level of hearing loss.
· You are becoming socially isolated.
· Your hearing loss means you are unable to work or your job is under threat
· You are unable to communicate effectively.
An audiogram, as seen below, is a graph of your hearing and shows different sounds. The banana shape indicates all the speech sounds when they're spoken at normal conversational volume. If your hearing falls into the profound los area at the bottome of the graph, then you may not be able to hear all conversational sounds, even with strong hearing aids. A cochlear implant may then be a viable alternative.
The implant operation lasts for 2-3 hours and carries the normal risks of any surgery requiring general anaesthetic. The surgical process will be explained in detail during assessment.
“My CI [cochlear implant] has given me back my independence, reconnected me with my family and friends and has opened up a world of options. The world is a much easier, friendlier and more accessible place!” - Elena Keith
“I like that I can hear and control my own voice and nobody says ‘I beg your pardon’ to me anymore. I feel like I am living in the real world and taking part in all it offers.” - Lynne Kelly
If you have not been referred and you would like to be assessed for a cochlear implant, contact the following groups:
Northern Cochlear Implant Programme Clinical Coordinator on 09 373 7956 or info@ncip.org.nz, your local Ear Nose & Throat Specialist or audiologist.
Southern Cochlear Implant Programme (Adult) Programme Administrator on 0800 500 405 or scipa@xtra.co.nz your local Ear Nose & Throat Specialist or audiologist.
Further helpful information is available at:
Cochlear Ltd www.cochlear.com
MED-EL Ltd www.medel.com
Hear-It www.hear-it.org
New Zealand Audiological Society www.audiology.org.nz
British Cochlear Implant Group www.bcig.org.uk
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