Implantable Hearing Devices

Some patients have hearing loss so severe that traditional amplification can no longer service their ears. These patients may be candidates for cochlear implants. Additionally, some patients have had unavoidable surgery to their ears, leaving them with an intact nerve of hearing, but a severe conductive hearing loss due to mechanical issues. These patients may be candidates for bone conduction hearing implants.

WHAT IS A COCHLEAR IMPLANT?

A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard-of-hearing. The implant consists of an external portion that sits behind the ear and a second portion that is surgically placed under the skin. An implant does not restore normal hearing. Instead, it can give a deaf person a useful representation of sounds in the environment and help him or her to understand speech.

A cochlear implant is very different from a hearing aid. Hearing aids amplify sounds so they may be detected by damaged ears. Cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Signals generated by the implant are sent by way of the auditory nerve to the brain, which recognizes the signals as sound. Hearing through a cochlear implant is different from normal hearing and takes time to learn or relearn. However, it allows many people to recognize warning signals, understand other sounds in the environment, and enjoy a conversation in person or by telephone (NIH).

Cochlear Nucleus cochlear implant

WHAT IS A BONE CONDUCTION HEARING IMPLANT?

The bone conduction sound processor connects from the outside onto the implant under the skin. It picks up sound waves in much the same way as a conventional hearing aid. However, instead of sending these sound waves through the ear canal, it transforms them into sound vibrations that can be sent through your skull bone, bypassing the outer and middle ear. Thanks to the direct connection between the sound processor and the bone through the implant solution, your skin does not dampen the sound vibrations, providing a clearer sound (Oticon).

Cochlear Baha Connect

Below are the various manufacturers of cochlear implants (CIs) and the bone conduction hearing implant (BAHA) that Dr. Cristobal most commonly implants. All of these devices require surgery for implantation, therefore, there are specific medical and audiological qualifications for each. If you think you may be a candidate, please have your primary care provider send a referral to our office.

COCHLEAR AMERICAS