[5 min read]
In this article:
- According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, as many as 10,800 children born in the U.S. annually will have some detectable hearing loss in one or both ears.
- As of July 2022, more than 1 million patients worldwide have recieved cochlear implants. In the U.S., roughly 118,100 adults and 65,000 children have recieved devices.
- Learn more about this technology works and how it's helping patients hear the world again, or in some cases, for the very first time.
From hearing loss to hope
Since their introduction in the 1960s, cochlear implants have helped hundreds of thousands of people access the soundscape of life that many of us take for granted.
There are an estimated 700,000 cochlear implant patients worldwide. For young children, cochlear implants open up a world of linguistic and social development. Research suggests that the first three years of life are an especially critical developmental window for youngsters. For seniors with hearing loss, improvements allow them to participate in daily activities and social life that may have been hindered.
Before cochlear implants, patients with hearing loss predominantly relied on hearing aids, which amplify sound but may not suffice for those with profound deafness. Some myths persist about cochlear implants, such as fears of them being ineffective or damaging to residual hearing.
To learn more, we spoke with Sachin Gupta, M.D., Director of the Swedish Cochlear Implant Program, and Director of the Swedish Acoustic Neuroma Program. Dr. Gupta is a board-certified Neurotologist, who specializes in treatment of disorders of the ear and skull base.
Who is eligible for a cochlear implant?
“We can implant anybody anywhere from seven months of age up until the late 90s,” says Dr. Gupta.
For most patients, the journey to receiving cochlear implants begins with consultation and a significant evaluation process, including meeting with ENT physicians, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and others.
With young children, the evaluation process includes assessments of hearing loss, communication skills — including speech acquisition and production and play skills — psychological factors and more. For seniors, the evaluation includes medical history, hearing loss levels, and lifestyle.
“It’s not something simple where someone has hearing loss and they just come in and we book them for surgery,” says Dr. Gupta. “They have to have the evaluations and sometimes they need full clearance from their doctor. Sometimes patients also need a consultation with the speech pathologist to help them understand how to use the implant correctly and effectively. And then, most patients must have insurance authorization. So, it's a very multidisciplinary thing and it can be hard to coordinate care effectively. At Providence Swedish we have everything in-house and it's coherent. I think it's better for patients because it's much more efficient with their time and energy.”
How do cochlear implants work?
“The device has internal and external components. The internal component is what I place in surgery. I make a small incision behind the ear, usually about 5-to-6-centimeters, then I drill the mastoid bone, which is the bone behind the ear canal, to access the cochlea and put in a wire that stimulates nerve fibers inside the cochlea [to produce] hearing. We also place a magnet about 45 degrees from the ear under the skin,” says Dr. Gupta.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia and takes about an hour.
“About one to two weeks after surgery will then get the implant turned on and they put on the external part that attaches to the implant that's under the skin,” he continues. “From there, patients get programming visits with audiology to make sure we have the proper settings, and they can actually hear and understand speech.”
“And we have all seen the videos where a child’s implant is turned on and they hear for the first time,” adds Dr. Gupta. “It’s pretty magical.”
What are the risks?
It’s a very safe outpatient surgery, requiring a small incision. The associated infection rate is extremely low. The main risk is to the nerve that controls the facial muscles; the nerve is monitored electrically during surgery to minimize the risk.
Do the implants ever need to be replaced?
Yes and no.
“The internal component I put in is meant to last forever. It doesn't have to be replaced periodically or anything like that,” Dr. Gupta says. “The external portion — the part on the outside of the head, that part does have upgrades usually every five years or so. Every iteration gets smaller. That's where patients want to have something that's a little less obvious.”
I am interested in the implants for myself or my child. Where do I start?
“Start with a family discussion,” Dr. Gupta advises. “Obviously, it’s going to be different for a senior than for a baby or a young child. But with adults specifically, it might be about how they can’t participate in groups or struggle with friends, and they might feel socially isolated or withdrawn. And for babies, it’s more about helping infants grow into speech acquisition and a “normal” trajectory of hearing and speech and social interaction.”
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician
The experts at Swedish Otolaryngology – Ballard understands that ear, nose and throat conditions can affect your ability to breathe, communicate, eat, sleep and complete other daily activities. Our team of clinicians offers advanced, evidence-based care to diagnose and treat you, and help you improve your quality of life.
Think you may be experiencing some hearing loss? See a Swedish audiologist for an evaluation if your hearing has changed. If you are exposed to loud noise regularly, get an annual hearing checkup. Learn about hearing services at Swedish or call 1-800-793-3474 for an appointment.
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider. You can also connect virtually with your provider to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual, you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Additional resources
Do you wear hearing aids? Here are 5 tips to help you protect them
What to know about over-the-counter hearing aids
Listen up! October is National Protect Your Hearing Month
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.
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