Hearing loss affects nearly 20% of the global population. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are among the most common options to help those with hearing loss understand the world around them. While both devices are effective, they work in different ways and are suited for different levels and types of hearing loss.
What Are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids amplify sound based on the wearer’s frequency needs. All hearing aids employ the same essential parts to amplify sound. They have a small microphone to collect sound from your environment, an amplifier that adjusts its frequency and volume and a speaker that sends the sound waves directly into the wearer’s ear.
Hearing aids vary in style and size. A few different styles include completely-in-the-canal (CIC), in-the-canal (ITC), in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC). Patients will choose their style based on their hearing needs and cosmetic preferences. For instance, CIC models may be preferable for those with mild hearing loss who prefer a minimal appearance. Similarly, BTE models are more common for those with moderate to severe hearing loss.
Many hearing aids come with a variety of features, including Bluetooth®, noise suppression, tinnitus masking and more. They are non-invasive, easy to use and generally recommended for patients with mild to moderate sensorineural or conductive hearing loss.
What are Cochlear Implants?
Hearing aids are more complex devices than hearing aids. They require both external and internal components. Unlike hearing aids, which collect and amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass the damaged parts of the inner ear and stimulate the auditory nerve. The external component includes a microphone, sound processor and transmitter. The internal component consists of a receiver and electrode array implanted in the cochlea–the spiral-shaped organ of the inner ear.
Cochlear implants require surgery. Cochlear implant surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and follow four basic steps:
- A surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear and guides an electrode to the cochlea.
- The surgeon places a processor between the muscle and bone behind the ear.
- The surgeon closes the incisions and moves the patient to recovery while the anesthesia wears off.
Patients with hearing aids may adapt to hearing aids within one to two weeks. Those with cochlear implants may require four to six weeks of initial programming appointments. During initial appointments, an audiologist and auditory rehabilitation specialist will help the patient train their brain to understand new sounds. Following initial appointments, patients will need to schedule regular programming appointments every six to 12 months.
Cochlear implants are generally recommended for patients with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss for whom hearing aids have not provided sufficient relief.
Following a hearing test, your audiologist will help you understand and choose between the available treatment options. Contact Kampsen Hearing today to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists.