February 25th is International Cochlear Implant Day! International Cochlear Implant Day raises awareness and celebrates their life-changing impact.
What Are Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices that provide sound for those who can’t benefit from hearing aids. Hearing aids amplify sound, while cochlear implants send sound to the brain via an electrode placed in the cochlea during surgery. Cochlear implants are especially helpful for people with moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss who have difficulty interpreting spoken language with a hearing aid. Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants don’t restore normal hearing but improve sound detection, speech, music appreciation, and hearing in noise.
How Do Cochlear Implants Work?
Cochlear implants have two main parts:
- The External Processor: The external processor looks similar to a hearing aid, and can be worn either behind the ear or fully on the head. It includes a microphone that picks up sounds in the environment and sends those sounds through a receiver attached to the implant via a magnet.
- The Internal Implant: The implant is inserted during surgery. It has a magnet behind the ear for the processor and an electrode sending signals to the cochlea.
Why Is International Cochlear Implant Day Important?
International Cochlear Implant Day celebrates the first cochlear implant, which was more than 65 years ago! The World Report on Hearing from WHO concluded that a “Cochlear Implant is one of the most successful neural prostheses developed to date,” changing lives and opportunities. It’s estimated that over 700,000 people around the world have cochlear implants. However, there are many more who could still benefit from this life-changing technology. Many people have never heard of a cochlear implant before, which can delay the process of receiving appropriate hearing healthcare.
Cochlear implants help people hear the voices of their loved ones, listen to their favorite music and enjoy the sounds of nature. Because of cochlear implants, children with hearing loss are able to learn to listen and speak.
International Cochlear Implant Day is a great opportunity to share information about cochlear implants with family and friends. If you or a loved one currently benefits from cochlear implants, share your story with your communities! If hearing and speech remain difficult despite hearing aids, consult an audiologist about a cochlear implant evaluation. Texas Hearing Institute’s audiologists are experts in hearing loss and leaders in pediatric cochlear implants.
On International Cochlear Implant Day, celebrate technological progress and those who rely on cochlear implants worldwide.
