Cochlear Implants

Century Ear, Nose and Throat is committed to treating all types and severities of hearing loss. Hearing loss is often multifactorial, meaning there are many factors that contribute to its development, including one’s age, history of loud noise exposures, and genetics.

Sensorineural hearing loss (nerve hearing loss) is often initially treated with hearing aids, which act by amplifying noise to make sounds louder. However, if hearing aids are no longer providing adequate benefit and there are significant issues understanding clarity or speech, one may be a candidate for a cochlear implant.

Cochlear implants work by placing an internal device into the cochlea of the inner ear to stimulate the hearing nerve directly. This is most often performed as an outpatient surgery with minimal recovery.

To determine if you may be a candidate, it is necessary to have an evaluation by an Otolaryngologist and an Audiologist. An audiogram (hearing test) will be performed to help determine whether or not you may benefit from cochlear implant technology. Additional cochlear implant-specific speech testing may also be performed to help determine candidacy.

Optimizing hearing is important. Untreated hearing loss has been shown to be associated with a number of adverse effects, including social isolation, anxiety, depression and even cognitive decline. Cochlear implantation can be life-changing for many.

To learn more, please see the videos below or call to make an appointment.