While most people suffering from hearing loss can be helped by a hearing instrument, those with severe-to-profound “sensorineural hearing loss” (or “nerve deafness”) may need a “cochlear implant.” this device, which counteracts damage to the “cochlea” (inner ear), has an internal and external component. The internal segment is surgically implanted under the skin behind the ear, and a narrow wire is threaded into the inner ear. The external component, which resembles a behind-the-ear hearing instrument, is connected to the internal one through the skin by means of an external magnetic disk. This arrangement of modules converts incoming sounds into electrical currents, which creates an electrical field that directly stimulates the auditory nerve and bypasses the defective inner ear.
Cochlear implants are not recommended in people who do well with hearing aids. To be considered for a cochlear implant, you will need to receive an evaluation by a physician and audiologist associated with a cochlear implant clinic. To schedule a consultation, please call EAR & HEARING CLINIC. As registered members of the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario, we are among the highest qualified regulated hearing health care professionals in Canada. “Hear the Sound of Life.”
