Cochlear Implant (Hearing loss treatment) Surgery by Dr. Sharad Maheswari

A cochlear implant is an electronic device that is used to produce hearing in damaged inner ear. Unlike hearing aids, which make sounds louder, cochlear implants do the work of damaged parts of the inner ear (cochlea) to provide sound signals to the brain.

Cochlear implants are invented to cure severally damaged and children who get little or no benefit from hearing aids. Even individuals with severe or profound "nerve deafness" may be able to benefit from cochlear implants.

A cochlear implant takes sounds from the outer area and then converts it and send it near to auditory nerve.These electric currents activate the nerve, which then sends a signal to the brain. The brain learns to recognize this signal and the person experiences this as "hearing".

The cochlear implant makes a situation of natural hearing where current is created by sound that stimulates the auditory nerves. However, the result is not the same as normal hearing.

ENT specialists lay down the treatment options for hearing loss

Hearing loss is the most common ear problem in human beings today. WHO predicts that in India, more than 75 million individuals will be suffering from significant auditory impairment by the end of 2020. These astounding numbers amount to severe loss in productivity, both physical and economical. Unfortunately, even larger numbers are linked to milder degrees and unilateral (one sided) hearing loss.

Types of hearing loss

1. Conductive Hearing Loss occurs because of difficulty in the middle ear. In a normal ear, the sound hits on an integral eardrum. The increase in movement is backed up by three small bones, working simultaneously in which the third bone works as a piston to deliver the increased vibrations to the fluid system of the inner ear. Fluid in the ear, eardrum tear, and damage to the working of the three bones may cause hearing loss. If the inner ear is enthused directly by the nerves, hearing organ and hearing is normal. This is known as conductive hearing loss.
2. Sensory-Neural Hearing Loss refers to damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve which is the signal bearer to the brain. This type of condition occurs when there is physical harm to the end organ or the nerve. In most cases, sensory-neural hearing loss is irreversible. Using a hearing aid is only the solution as surgery itself is baseless in this case. Sensory-neural hearing loss is linked to blockage of blood supply or the sudden arrival of viral infection.

Safeguarding newborns from hearing loss is now recommended. In young ones, hearing impairment can lead to further problems such as slow growth, slow learning capabilities etc. By detecting problem in the initial stages, suitable measures can be taken to avert any of the aforementioned types of hearing loss.

How hearing loss is diagnosed?

The best available examination to determine an individual’s hearing abilities is an audiometry test. Before commencing the test, the ENT specialist may conduct a general screening test to know the extent of the condition. He/she may ask patient to cover up one ear at a time to see how well his/her ear responds when exposed to different sets of volume.

During a thorough test called audiometry, the patients are asked to wear headphones and hear sounds directed to one ear at a time. The ENT specialist presents an array of sounds of various tones and asks him/her to indicate each time. Each tone is repeated different times at different levels.

Special hearing tests including speech tests give a clear idea whether hearing loss is conductive or sensory-neural.

What are the treatment options for hearing loss?

The treatment for hearing loss varies according to the severity. Hearing aid is the only possibility if the damage is to the inner ear.

1. Hearing Aids: The ENT doctor can discuss the probable advantages of using a hearing aid. Hearing aids cannot help every patient with hearing impairment, but they can enhance hearing for many people. However, getting adapted to it can take some time. Since, the sound coming through the hearing aid is amplified, it will take some adjustments before a patient gets used to it. Hearing aids should always be purchased after doing extensive research.
2. Cochlear Implants: Cochlear Implants are considered when hearing aids fail to deliver. These implants are inserted into the inner ear but can cost you a fortune. They have their own set of complications. It is advisable to have healthy discussion with an ENT specialist before going for such implants.