Understanding cochlear implants and hearing aids

When you’re trying to find a solution to your hearing loss problems any device or procedure can seem like a glimmer of hope, especially once you’re introduced to the concept of cochlear implants. While both hearing aids and cochlear implants are designed to provide listening assistance to the hearing impaired they’re used for different purposes and their operational attributes are anything but the same Here are the main differences between cochlear implants and hearing aids:

Primary Differences in Functionality

First of all, hearing aids are devices that amplify sound waves in certain frequencies and then project those sounds towards the inner ear where they can be processed by the auditory nerve. This is the main goal of a hearing aid – to capture, analyse, and amplify sound waves in order to correct specific frequency-based deficiencies in hearing.

A cochlear implant on the other hand is designed to capture the sound with an externally located receiver and then transfer the signal to an in internal stimulator that is surgically implanted into the mastoid bone behind the ear. The stimulator then translates the sound signal into an electrical impulse that is sent along the auditory nerve directly to the brain to be interpreted as sound. For this reason you can’t make on-the-go adjustments to the sound preferences in your cochlear implant and the features are much more limited.

Primary Differences in Cost and Maintenance 

A cochlear implant surgery can be expensive if you don’t have any financing or insurance to assist you with the cost. When you consider the fact that you’ll be stuck with that model of implant for quite a while (as another surgery will be the only way to upgrade) you’ll realize that cochlear implants are more expensive in the long run.

You can buy one pair of hearing aids and then trade them in for an upgrade with your supplier in a relatively flexible manner, upgrading as you see fit when new technology becomes available. Hearing aids are also easy to remove and thoroughly clean; most come with a manual on how to perform maintenance and even accessories like ear wax removal kits.

Furthermore, performing maintenance on your cochlear implant is not something that can be done at home, as can be done with a pair of conventional hearing aids. That is of course unless you’re willing to perform surgery on yourself and attempt re-implanting the device in your skull (neither a feasible nor safe endeavour to attempt).

Conclusion – Which Should You Use?

Realistically cochlear implants and hearing aids should not even be compared because individuals who are truly in need of a cochlear implant would likely not benefit greatly from hearing aids and vice versa. If you have slight hearing loss then cochlear implants are probably not an option you want to consider, as the surgery and costs involved are not warranted unless your hearing loss is severe. Therefore, individuals with minor to moderate hearing loss should opt for a pair of hearing aids that they can easily replace or adjust if need be. Individuals with severe hearing loss may want to consult with their audiologist about the possibility of opting for a cochlear implant. In summary, a cochlear implant is the best option only when it is the only practical option left.

Author Bio: Paul Harrison is a knowledgeable and experienced blogger specializing in covering topics that help people make decision in their everyday lives. He’s currently venturing with YourHearing.co.uk, a leading retailer of assisted listening devices in the United Kingdom.