Having the ability to hear is an important part of life and there are many that lack that ability. Those who are deaf learn to adapt to that way of life and wouldn’t change it even if they could, but others want to be able to hear. Cochlear Implants become a viable option for the hearing impaired who want the opportunity to hear.

A Cochlear Implant is a small implanted electronic hearing device that helps provide sound to a person who is a deaf or severely hard of hearing. Cochlear Implants are used when there is damage to tiny hair cells in the cochlea. The implant bypasses the damaged parts of the auditory system and stimulates the hearing nerve. There are many different types of implants, but they consist of several of the same parts.

There is an external part that goes behind the ear and an implanted part that is surgically placed under the skin. The external part consists of a microphone, sound processor and a transmitter system. The implanted part consists of a receiver and electrode system. A magnet holds the external system next to the implanted system.

Cochlear Implants are designed for those that do not benefit from hearing aids and the candidate must be at least a year old. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes around 3-5 hours to complete. Sometimes the surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, but hospitalization may be required in certain cases that can range anywhere form overnight to several days. The total cost is around $40,000.

A Cochlear Implant recipient will not have perfect hearing and they may not be able to understand conversation over the telephone. Cochlear Implants also carry risks such as infection, dizziness, bald spot from surgery and facial paralysis. The implants are also controversial in the deaf community because some view it as just trying to “fit it” among the rest of society.