Cochlear Implant Services

Appalachian Audiology offers consultations, candidacy evaluations, activations, mapping and maintenance for cochear implants from Cochlear, Advanced Bionics & Med-El for school-age children and adults.

Cochlear Implant Candidacy Evaluations

The first step in determining if a cochlear implant might be the right choice for you is a complete hearing test. The newest guidelines suggest that individuals who have a pure tone average greater than 60 dB and word recognitions scores of less than 60% should be referred for further testing.

An audiology cochlear implant evaluation takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to complete. You must have a hearing test dated within 6 months. Then measurements are performed to make sure your hearing aids are functioning appropriately for your current level of hearing loss. Clinic demo hearing aids will be set up for you if you do not have hearing aids or if your hearing aids are no longer functioning well.

You will complete speech testing in the booth with your hearing aids on to determine how well you function in quiet and in noise. Many find this to be a very stressful test. We only ask that you try your best and do not be disappointed if you find it challenging.

We will review the results and determine if you meet the criteria for an implant. We will discuss how the device works, the timeline, and realistic expectations. You will see the options for the device and have plenty of time to ask questions.

After your audiology visit, you will need to meet with a cochlear implant surgeon who will evaluate your candidacy from a medical standpoint. You will have to have a CT or MRI and any necessary clearances for surgery. Adult cochlear implant surgeries in Knoxville are typically performed at outpatient surgery and you are able to go home the same day. You will have some activity restrictions at first.

The implant surgeon will see you 2-3 weeks after surgery to check the healing and clear you for activation. Then you will return to your audiologist to have the device turned on and receive orientation to equipment.

Cochlear Implant Follow-Up Services

Individuals who receive a new cochlear implant are seen for the following appointments:

  • Activation (3-4 weeks after surgery)

  • 2 weeks

  • 1 month

  • 3 month

  • 6 month

  • 12 month

  • Every 6-12 months thereafter

Each time you come for a cochlear implant appointment, expect the following:

  • Magnet site check - to ensure the strength is appropriate and comfortable

  • Sound thresholds - are you able to hear all frequencies?

  • Speech perception - how well can you understand words and/or sentences?

  • Internal device impedances check - are all your electrodes functioning on the self-test?

  • Adjustments/Mapping - we will play each electrode to set the lowest levels and highest levels . You will be asked to provide ratings of how loud the tones are.

  • Assistance with wireless accessories and smart phones

What If I Got My Implant Elsewhere?

Appalachian Audiology is accepting transfer patients who are in need of re-mapping or service on their device. We can also program upgrades to speech processors if you have had your external equipment replaced.


Troubleshooting

If your equipment is not working, we have spare parts available to help you determine which part is in need of replacement. However, you will need to work directly with the manufacturer to obtain replacement parts. Each manufacturer has troubleshooting via the phone or online chats to help you get back “on air” faster.