Few things can be compared to losing your hearing. While we all may experience a degree of hearing loss as we age, being deaf from a young age is something different. People who experience severe hearing loss become disconnected. They may feel as if the world around them has been pulled from them.
Especially for young children, the profound effects of deafness cannot be overstated. Without proper treatment, developmental delays can occur. Social stigmas can grow. Life, on a daily basis, may become severely difficult.
Fortunately, there are viable solutions. So-called cochlear implants have helped numerous people across the world who are severely hard of hearing.
Are these cutting-edge electronic devices right for you?
Here are the main pros and cons when considering cochlear implants.
The cochlear implant is both an external and internal device, with various parts that work together to represent the sounds of the environment. Technically, the implant does not return normal hearing. Rather, it uses a microphone, transmitter, electrode, and speech processor to simulate normal hearing.
Users of cochlear implants may take some time to learn how to make sense of sounds. Because it is not normal hearing, some aspects of discerning sound may never return.
RELATED: 10 Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Cochlear Implants
Approved by the FDA in the 1980s, cochlear implants are suitable for adults of all ages as well as children as young as 12 months old. Research indicates that cochlear implants for young children can make a major difference in their development.
By simulating the world of sound, the implant gives children critical opportunities for language and speech skills. Children who receive the implant at an older age may experience more difficulty in acquiring these skills.
Studies indicate that when children receive the implants before one and a half years old, they have a higher likelihood of succeeding in mainstream life. From interactions with peers to music comprehension and classroom learning, the benefits can be significant.
Contrary to common belief, cochlear implants are not one-and-done surgical procedures. Once the device is implanted, the user has to
undergo therapy to learn how to discern sounds. Some people struggle to (re)learn how to hear, while others can pick it up quite quickly. The sounds produced by the implant can be difficult to understand at first, which is why a team of specialists is often required.
Some users must learn to lip-read to understand speech. Sounds without visual cues – such as radio stations – may be more difficult to hear.
Given that so many experts are required, the entire process can be quite pricey. Not all insurance will cover it, and for some people, it might not be worth the investment.
Anytime something is implanted in you, you run the risk of adverse reactions. Your body might reject the device. You could get an infection. You might find that your hearing gets worse or doesn’t improve. In some cases, there could be fluid leaks or even brain damage.
Because the surgery is in your face, there is always a risk of nerve damage as well. Some people experience dizziness or numbness. Others have experienced infections of the brain, such as meningitis.
While this all sounds potentially terrifying, the surgery risks of cochlear implantation are generally considered very low. As with all surgical procedures, there is a recovery period of some weeks before the device is activated. Over time, a team of specialists can adjust the device so that the user can better hear.
One thing people need to understand about the implant is that while a small device, it may represent a big change to daily living. Merely consider all that comes with it. There are batteries. There are damage risks from liquids, physical activity, and potential, unexpected accidents.
Certain medical procedures may be impossible with the implant. For instance, various imaging and electricity-based therapies could damage the device or user. Many systems and transmitters in the electrical environment may interfere with the implant. In some cases, odd sounds may be heard due to this interference.
While these issues may sound undesirable to some, for many people, they are a small price to pay for a chance at hearing. This is why it’s always important to weigh your personal wants and needs. By assessing the relative risks and benefits, you can make the best decision for your situation.
While not for everyone, the cochlear implant represents a new opportunity to experience life. And for many people, that’s more than enough.
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