Cochlear Implants

With severe hearing loss, sometimes individuals struggle understanding speech even with the consistent use of hearing aids. For individuals with sensorineural or cochlear hearing loss, the cochlear implant is a successful surgical intervention that can provide clearer speech signals.

The system consists of two components:

1. The internal implanted electrode array:

During an approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hour surgery, an incision is made behind the outer ear to access the cochlea. A receiver with an electrode wire is place into the cochlea and under the skin. The skin heals over completely and you do not see the implant from the outside. Surgery is typically outpatient. There is no internal battery. It takes about 3-4 weeks to heal before activation.

2. The external speech processor:

This piece is similar to a hearing aid. It has a rechargeable battery, microphones, and a computer circuit. The difference is a magnet and transmitting coil that connects to the internal implant. Your processor is first programmed a few weeks after surgery. This is the first day you will hear with the device. Speech processors are covered by warranty and are upgradeable over time without the need for a new surgery.

What Does a Cochlear Implant Sound Like?

Hearing with an implant is often described as “electric hearing” instead of the “acoustic hearing” that people are used to. When the implant is activated, many people describe the sound as buzzing, robotic or cartoonish. Over the first several months with an implant, the perception becomes more normal and speech perception abilities improve. It can take up to a year for your brain to fully adapt to the new way of hearing.

You will return for several follow-up mapping visits to check sound detection and speech perception performance. Your loudness perception on each individual electrode from low-pitch to high-pitch will be checked to help fine tune the device. You must commit to the 4-5 visits the first year to maximize performance.

Implant Manufacturers

Appalachian Audiology is able to service implants from Cochlear® , Advanced Bionics & Med-El

Cost of Cochlear Implants

There are several aspects to the cost of obtaining a cochlear implant:

• Audiology Diagnostic Testing and Programming Services

• Pre-surgical imaging and lab work

• Surgeon Fee

• Anesthesia Fee

• Operating Room Fee

• Internal implant and external speech processor equipment

Unlike traditional hearing aids, most insurance plans including Medicare cover cochlear implants if the individual’s hearing loss meets the criteria. However, each insurance plan may be different on whether the severe hearing loss needs to be in one or both ears. You will need to look at your plan’s deductible, co-insurance and out of pocket maximum to get an idea of what your out of pocket costs may be.

At Appalachian Audiology: candidacy exams, activations and mappings will be billed to your insurance. If you do not have insurance, we have a self-pay rate available so that you can still function optimally with your implant even if you received it long ago as it is important to have the programming checked annually.