Most cases of hearing loss are irreversible, but can be treated. Today, there are more options than ever to treat hearing loss. In this article we will explore the different types of hearing aids vs cochlear implants that are available, as well as their respective pros and cons. The two most common options recommended by audiologists are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Hearing aids and cochlear implants help some people hear speech and other sounds. However, people with hearing aids or cochlear implants cannot hear everything in the same way as people without hearing loss. Hearing aids amplify sound and rely on the integrity of the inner ear hair cells. Therefore, patients with severe to profound hearing loss may have limited or no speech perception benefit. Cochlear implants, on the other hand, bypass/replace damaged hair cells and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Electrodes on the implant’s internal components provide “electrical sparks” that are picked up by nerves and sent to the brain for interpretation. These electrodes run along the length of the cochlea, allowing access to the full spectrum of sound without hair cells.

What Is a Hearing Aid?

A hearing aid is a removable device that you wear in your ear. Many intricate parts work together to amplify sound to a level that the wearer’s ears can detect and understand. First, a microphone picks up nearby sounds in the environment, which are analyzed and adjusted by a processing chip.

The chip is programmed by an experienced audiologist for the exact type and degree of hearing loss. These processed sounds are sent to an amplifier, which boosts the volume of the sounds and sends them to the speakers. Speakers play sound adidas yeezy 700 v3
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to your ears. At this point, the natural hearing process takes over.

There are many types of hearing aids such as fully in-canal (CIC), in-the-canal (ITC), in-the-ear (ITE), receiver-in-canal (RIC) and behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE). In general, hearing aids are an effective solution for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.

What Is a Cochlear Implant?

A cochlear implant is a complex medical device that is surgically implanted by a doctor. They bypass the damaged part of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. It is important to know that cochlear implants do not restore hearing. Instead, it provides a sense of sound for people with severe hearing loss and hearing impairments.

A cochlear implant consists of two main parts: an external component and an internal component. External components include microphones, speech processors, and transmitters. A small cable connects the microphone and processor to the transmitter. The transmitter is outside the ear above the receiver. Internal components include a receiver implanted under the skin behind the ear and an electrode array implanted deep within the inner ear. These components are connected via magnets.

Cochlear implant candidates should undergo an auditory and psychological evaluation, a medical evaluation, and an imaging test. The process of fitting a cochlear implant is a daunting task and it is important to focus on the rehabilitation process. 

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