Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesDepartment of Otolaryngology

How does a Cochlear Implant work?

Follow the link below for an explanation.

http://www.medoto.unimelb.edu.au/clinical_services/cochlear_implant_clin...

How is an implant different from a hearing aid?

Cochlear implants differ from hearing aids in two important ways:

1.    Hearing aids and other assistive listening devices amplify sounds so that they fall into the hearing impaired person’s range of hearing.  A cochlear implant, on the other hand, transforms speech and other sounds into electrical current that is used to stimulate hearing nerve fibers in the inner ear.

2.    Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants have both internal (inside the body) and external (worn outside the body) components.  A surgical procedure is needed to place the internal component of the implant.

What does a cochlear implant sound like?

The cochlear implant sounds different for everyone however generally adults report that it initially sounds quite high pitched and robotic which can lead to disappointment in the first couple of weeks using the device. 

For young children, the sound they hear from a cochlear implant is often the only hearing they have ever known so to them it sounds "normal".  It is just not the same "normal" as the hearing a normally hearing person experiences.

What are the benefits/risks?

The cochlear implant can offer people with severe or profound hearing loss increased awareness of sounds and in most cases, greater understanding of speech. As with any operation there are risks however these are minimal and a recommendation to proceed with a cochlear implant is only made when these risks are out-weighed by the benefits. Each individual will undergo thorough investigations including hearing tests, balance assessments, medical checks, MRI scans and CT scans to determine the relative risks and benefits of undergoing the cochlear implant procedure.

Will it help me/my child?

The cochlear implant can provide improved hearing for adults and children with severe or profound hearing losses.   Whether it is a suitable option for you or your child will depend on the degree of hearing loss, the anatomy of the ears and whether you or your child are medically fit to undergo the operation.  By attending the Cochlear Implant Clinic we will be able to provide you with detailed information about the potential benefits for you or your child of receiving a cochlear implant.

Should my child try hearing aids before we investigate a cochlear implant?

We encourage families to make contact with the Cochlear Implant Clinic as soon as their child has been identified as having a severe or profound hearing loss.  The investigations to determine if your child will benefit from a cochlear implant take place over several months and the earlier you attend the Clinic the greater the opportunity to provide your child with a cochlear implant at a young age.  We work together with Australian Hearing to establish the child's degree of hearing loss.  Hearing aids can be fitted by Australian Hearing while the child is being assessed for a cochlear implant.

At what age can the operation be done?

Generally, children as young as six months of age can receive a cochlear implant.
The youngest child implanted in the Cochlear Implant Clinic so far was six months of age at the time of surgery.  

Am I too old?

As long as you are medically fit there is no one too old, in fact our oldest patient was 92 years of age at the time of the operation.

How much does it cost?

The cochlear implant procedure can be funded through private health insurance or public funding for Australian residents.  There are minimal out-of-pocket expenses and you will be given more detail prior to proceeding with the operation.  Support to attend appointments is available for those experiencing financial hardship.  International patients would be required to pay the full fees.

How long will I have to wait for the operation?

Once the decision is made to proceed with cochlear implantation, there may be a wait of between one and 12 months for surgery.  Young children or those considered urgent for clinical reasons have less of a waiting time than others. 

How long will I be in hospital?

Generally an overnight stay in hospital is all that is needed

How soon after surgery can I start listening with my cochlear implant?

The sound processor is fitted about two to four weeks after surgery.  Generally, the implant will work from the day the sound processor is fitted however, the time required for your brain to adjust to the new sound will vary from person to person. 

Is a referral required to obtain an appointment at the Cochlear Implant Clinic? 

A GP referral is required even if your audiologist has provided a referral.  This allows us to obtain Medicare payments for your appointments. 

What do I bring to my first appointment?

On your first visit you will be asked to bring copies of a recent hearing test, an indefinite referral from your GP and your Medicare or DVA card.

If I have a cochlear implant, is there anything I should avoid?

It is advisable to avoid, or take precautions, if participating in activities that are likely to cause damage to your implant.  Examples of such activities include, high impact sports like boxing, wrestling, rugby or football, deep-sea diving that puts the ear under pressure, and high magnetic or electrical fields like those produced by MRI scanning machines.

Can I still dye my hair?

There is a post-operative period when it is not advisable to dye your hair.  The surgeon will let you know when it is safe to do so.

Can I go through the security gates at an airport?

People with a cochlear implant/s can go through airport security gates. However, it is likely that the implant will trigger the alarms. It is advised that you carry a card, provided by Cochlear Ltd, with you which identifies you as having a cochlear implant. 

Should I turn my speech processor off whilst flying?

The speech processor does not need to be switched off while flying or during take-off or landing.