How to Get a Cochlear Implant

A cochlear implant will restore hearing to those who suffer from moderate to profound hearing loss. A protocol is set for those who want to get a cochlear implant. If you or someone you love cannot benefit from hearing aids, consider getting a cochlear implant.Follow these steps to get a cochlear implant.

Things You'll Need

• Insurance
• Caretaker

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Instructions

How to Get a Cochlear Implant

• 1

  Test your hearing. Make an appointment with an audiologist to evaluate the severity of your hearing loss. Your audiologist will make recommendations for restoring hearing via non-invasive solutions before considering surgery.

• 2

  Discuss options for hearing instruments. Hearing aids and other hearing auxiliaries are the first recommendations for restoring your hearing. If you do not benefit from hearing aids or other hearing equipment, your audiologist will refer you to a cochlear specialist to have an evaluation for a cochlear implant.

• 3

  Make an appointment with a cochlear implant specialist. Your audiologist will refer you to an approved cochlear implant clinic. This clinic will offer you a team of hearing specialists, consisting of a cochlear audiologist, a doctor trained for cochlear implantations, and other clinicians to evaluate your candidacy for a cochlear implant.

• 4

  Decide on the cochlear implant you want. Currently, there are three manufacturers of cochlear implants. Once a cochlear team has certified you that you are a good candidate for a cochlear implant, you must decide which cochlear implant you want. Do not let the audiologist, doctor or clinic sway you in your decision, as this is against the law. Read the pamphlets and videos that the clinic provides and ask for information on all cochlear implants available.

• 5

  Prepare for surgery. Schedule your surgery and get the required bloodwork done. Follow the preparation instructions for surgery set by your cochlear team. Be sure to have assistance at home after surgery. Recuperation time is three to five weeks, and you will not be able to drive during this time. You may also need assistance with daily living activities. Be patient as your coordination and balance abilities repair during this period. Get your prescriptions filled before surgery and follow the aftercare instructions given by your cochlear team. You will not be able to hear with the cochlear implant until your surgery wounds heal and you return to your cochlear team for a follow-up appointment.

• 6

  Return for your follow-up appointment. The follow-up appointment will confirm the success of the cochlear implantation. Your doctor will examine your surgical area and make an overall assessment. After your doctor examines you, the audiologist will hook up the external apparatus, which will be a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) or body-worn device. The BTE or body-worn device will be programmed by computer, using cochlear software.

• 7

  Learn to hear sounds. You may not hear or understand much in the early stages after receiving the cochlear implant. Continue to attend follow-up appointments with your audiologist. Your cochlear programs are customized, and your audiologist will continue to work with you on improving your success with a cochlear implant. Learn to hear sounds at home. Read while listening to audio books and read the closed captions on the television as you listen to it. Concentrate on listening and hearing new sounds, and ask a hearing person to help you understand a sound. Wear your cochlear BTE or body-worn device as much as possible to increase your success.