Is a cochlear implant right for me?

Here´s a step-by-step guide on how you get a Cochlear implant.

A cochlear implant is recommended for adults and children suffering from sensorineural single-sided or bilateral hearing loss who don’t benefit from conventional hearing aids.

Step 1

Awareness

Is it right for me?

If you think a cochlear implant is the right solution for you or your loved one, you should talk to your audiologist. They will test your hearing to see whether you are a suitable candidate.

For children, especially those who have not yet learnt language, early cochlear implantation is recommended. This gives them the best chance of attending school in the general educational system.

For adults, there is no upper age limit on cochlear implantation. However, if you are considering a cochlear implant, you need to be committed to attending regular speech therapy sessions to help your brain adapt to this new way of hearing.

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Step 2

Surgery

A safe and proven procedure

A cochlear implant system like the Neuro system consists of an external part and an internal part. The sound processor and antenna are worn on the head, while the implant is surgically inserted under the skin behind the ear, with electrodes carefully inserted into the cochlea.

Fitting the implant is a standard surgical procedure that takes one to two hours under general anaesthetic. It normally takes three to five weeks to fully recover. During this time, you can continue to take part in normal activities, but you won’t be able to hear until the external part of the system — the sound processor and antenna — are connected.

Learn more about the Neuro cochlear implant system

Step 3

Activation

Get ready for sound

Once the surgical site has fully healed, your audiologist will attach the sound processor for the first time. He or she will adapt it to your individual hearing needs and adjust the settings so sound is clear and comfortable.

Once the sound processor is switched on, it captures sound and transmits it to the implant via the antenna. The implant converts the sounds into electrical impulses that are sent to the auditory nerve and on to the brain. This is how you can hear the sounds going on around you.

See people who are happy with their sound processor

Step 4

Rehabilitation

Learning to hear

Getting used to hearing with your sound processor takes time and requires speech therapy sessions. Depending on your type of hearing loss, age and commitment to speech therapy, these sessions can last from a few months to several years. On average, it takes an adult around six months to learn to hear using their cochlear implant.

The cochlear implant can never restore natural hearing. However, you can expect that it will enable you to hear the sounds around you, so you can take an active part in conversations, social situations and daily life. Many users talk about getting a sense of independence and safety from their cochlear implant.

Learn more about living with a cochlear implant

Step 5

Life with sound

The joy of life with hearing

Once you’ve adjusted to your cochlear implant, you can expect to quickly gain confidence with this way of hearing. To help you take part in all aspects of daily life, the Neuro cochlear implant system comes with a wide range of accessories.

The Neuro System is also designed to give you high-quality hearing for many years to come. The implant itself has been designed to support future technological advances. This means that when new technology becomes available, you can upgrade your sound processor and continue to enjoy quality sound for many years to come.

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