Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Cochlear Implantation

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7851969/

  Hearing impairment that is too severe to be adequately treated with conventional hearing aids can lead, in children, to severe developmental disturbances of hearing and language, and, in adults, to communicative and social deprivation. […] Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for the successful auditory rehabilitation of high-grade hearing impairment. […] The indication is made on the basis of a thorough ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and interdisciplinary pre-diagnostic work-up, which takes into consideration the patients audiological, anatomical, and psychosocial conditions and is carried out in specialized centers. […] Cochlear implantation is indicated in profound hearing loss (bordering on deafness) that cannot be adequately treated through other auditory rehabilitation measures.

• #1 Hearing loss – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373077

  Tests to diagnose hearing loss may include: […] A specialist in hearing loss, known as an audiologist, does these more-thorough tests. Sounds and words are directed through earphones to each ear. Each tone is repeated at low levels to find the quietest sound you can hear. […] If hearing loss is from damage to the inner ear, a hearing aid can be helpful. A hearing specialist, known as an audiologist, can talk about how hearing aids can help and what kinds there are. Audiologists also can fit you with a hearing aid. […] When a regular hearing aid isn’t likely to help much, a cochlear implant might be an option. A cochlear implant isn’t like a hearing aid that makes sound stronger and directs it into the ear canal. Instead, a cochlear implant goes around the parts of the inner ear that don’t work to spur the hearing nerve.

• #1 Recommended Protocol for Audiological Assessment, Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Evaluation, and Follow-up – Alexander Graham Bell Association

  https://agbell.org/know-your-rights/recommended-protocol-for-audiological-assessment-hearing-aid-and-cochlear-implant-evaluation-and-follow-up/

  The initial audiological test battery to confirm a hearing loss in infants must include electrophysiological measures and—when developmentally appropriate—behavioral methods. […] Confirmation of an infant’s hearing status requires a test battery of audiological test procedures to assess the integrity of the auditory system in each ear, to estimate hearing sensitivity across the speech frequency range, to determine the type of hearing loss, to establish a baseline for further monitoring, and to provide information needed to initiate the fitting of amplification devices. […] For infants from birth to a developmental age of approximately 6 months, the test battery should include a child and family history, an evaluation of risk factors for congenital hearing loss, and a parental report of the infant’s responses to sound.

• #1 Cochlear Implantation

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7851969/

  The limit for CI indication today is considered to be an averaged audiological threshold of 70 dB HL, since it is generally no longer possible to achieve sufficient speech intelligibility with conventional hearing aids above this threshold. […] The preoperative diagnostic work-up helps establish the indication for cochlear implantation and verifies the feasibility of the surgical procedure, the subsequent basic and follow-up treatment, as well as aftercare, to restore hearing. […] The hearing diagnosis must confirm sensorineural hearing loss. […] Cochlear implantation is only indicated when all components are present. […] The pre-diagnostic work-up requires interdisciplinary and interprofessional coordination between the various specialist disciplines (ENT medicine, neuroradiology, phoniatrics, and pedaudiology, neuropaediatrics, anesthesiology, and speech therapy, among others), as well as a consultation with the patient and all those in their environment.

• #1 Cochlear Implantation: Diagnosis, Indications, and Auditory Rehabilitation Results (09.10.2020)

  https://di.aerzteblatt.de/int/archive/article/216085

  In children with congenital prelingual profound hearing loss, as well as perilingual deafness, the indication is primarily made on the basis of the audiological threshold, which is objectively determined using frequency-specific BERA (brainstem evoked response audiometry). […] The indication limit for cochlear implantation is a maximum monosyllabic score with optimal hearing aid gain in quiet of 60%. […] The timing of CI treatment in adults with postlingual deafness is not limited by the time of onset of hearing loss, since successful implantation can still be achieved decades after deafness. […] Cochlear implantation, performed in specialized centers, is a safe and reliable technique and regularly enables the successful rehabilitation of hearing in both children and adults.

• #1 CG-SURG-81 Cochlear Implants and Auditory Brainstem Implants

  https://www.anthem.com/dam/medpolicies/abc/active/guidelines/gl_pw_d083867.html

  Unilateral implantation of a hybrid cochlear implant device (for example, Nucleus Hybrid L24 Cochlear Implant System) is considered medically necessary when all of the following criteria are met (1, 2, and 3 are required): […] An auditory brainstem implant is considered medically necessary in an individual when all of the following criteria are met: […] Upgrade to or replacement of an existing external sound processor, remote assistant or both components is considered medically necessary for an individual whose response to existing components is inadequate to the point of interfering with the activities of daily living or when components are no longer functional. […] A cochlear implant is considered not medically necessary for all other indications when the above criteria are not met, including as a treatment of tinnitus in the absence of severe hearing loss (greater than or equal to 70 dB).

• #1 What happens at a cochlear implant evaluation? | SIU School of Medicine

  https://www.siumed.edu/surgery/ent/what-happens-cochlear-implant-evaluation.html

  We will test your hearing and speech understanding both with and without your hearing aids to determine if you could benefit from an implant. Testing is performed by an audiologist who specializes in advanced hearing care. […] If the audiologist feels that a hearing aid trial is needed, this process will be discussed with you. […] You will be scheduled to have an xray, called a CAT SCAN or temporal bone CT, to check the inner ear for scar tissue or other problems that might prevent successful implantation. […] You will need to have immunizations (vaccinations) against the bacteria that can cause ear infections. Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax are required before you can have implant surgery. This is to minimize the risk of infection of the implant and around the brain (meningitis) that can occur with ear infections.

• #1 CG-SURG-81 Cochlear Implants and Auditory Brainstem Implants

  https://www.anthem.com/dam/medpolicies/abc/active/guidelines/gl_pw_d083867.html

  The process often involves advanced imaging techniques such as computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the inner ear anatomy. […] A cochlear implant directly stimulates the auditory nerve, bypassing the physiologic transduction of sound into neural impulses by a poorly functioning cochlea. […] The first cochlear implants used in the 1960s had limited utility because they could only provide stimulation at a single frequency. […] Compared to earlier devices, currently marketed cochlear implants have improved electrode designs and speech processing capabilities. […] The FDA approval of the Hybrid L24 was based on a multicenter, nonrandomized, unblinded single-subject study where participants served as their own control. […] The primary safety endpoint was the number and proportion of participants experiencing an adverse event, defined as any surgical and/or device events. […] The FDA approval of the Nucleus 24 Auditory Brain Stem Implant System was based on results of a case series of 90 individuals in which 28 complications occurred in 26 individuals.

• #1 Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implants and Assistive Technology

  https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/treatment/?srsltid=AfmBOoqPnn_tf6hYa8y-8OUXD0CTj1nC5yxvZ8RyFfmbuVhx6MXj2pWv

  Hearing aids can help with many types of hearing loss, and an audiologist can assist in finding the best hearing aid for you. […] A cochlear implant, in one or both ears, may be an option for some people with hearing loss. An audiologist can help you find out if a cochlear implant will help you. […] Audiologic rehabilitation helps people with hearing loss relearn skills that they have lost.

• #1 Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants? — Hearing Health Foundation

  https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/hearing-aids-or-cochlear-implants

  Hearing aids are the number one choice for the majority of people with hearing loss, but for those who have severe or profound hearing loss, cochlear implants may be a better option, especially if they are found not to benefit from hearing aids. […] Cochlear implants are indicated for people with severe to profound hearing loss and of all ages, from newborns to seniors, when hearing aids no longer are beneficial. […] For those unfamiliar with hearing loss, it is a common misconception that cochlear implants are just another form of a hearing aid. In fact hearing aids and cochlear implants each have varying purposes and are suitable for different individuals based on their specific diagnosis. […] Both hearing aids and cochlear implants are recommended for those diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, meaning that damage has occurred within hair cells of their inner ear and/or the nerve pathways that connect the inner ear to the brain.

• #1 Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: What’s the Difference? – Hearing & Balance Services of Reston

  https://balancehear.com/hearing-aids-vs-cochlear-implants-whats-the-difference/

  Hearing aids are one type of assistive hearing device that can be used to treat hearing loss. […] Cochlear implants are also designed for people who are deaf or hard of hearing to help them hear, but theyre not the same thing. […] Understanding the difference between these devices is important for anyone experiencing hearing loss, as well as their loved ones. […] Each option is appropriate for different circumstances and needs. […] While cochlear implants are suitable for some people, most people with hearing loss will use hearing aids. […] Hearing aids are wearable devices that are designed to process and amplify sound to the wearer. […] Hearing aids can be adjusted in multiple ways so that they suit both the hearing loss level of the wearer and their individual needs. […] Many people with hearing loss wear hearing aids on a daily basis.

• #1 Hearing loss – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373077

  An audiologist and a health care provider trained in the ears, nose and throat (ENT) can tell you the risks and benefits. […] Hearing aids, because they’re digital, can be adjusted over a wide range of hearing loss. […] So there isn’t one best hearing aid for older people versus younger people. We try to choose a hearing aid that’s going to fit the person’s needs. […] An audiologist like Dr. Hogan can help you sort through all the options and create a personal solution for your hearing problem.

• #1 Cochlear Implant | ENT Doctor in Fullerton, CA

  https://entorangecounty.com/cochlear-implant/

  Cochlear implants are advanced medical devices designed to help individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who receive little to no benefit from traditional hearing aids. […] Cochlear implants are most beneficial for individuals who have lost a significant portion of their hearing and do not experience improvement with conventional hearing aids. […] Cochlear implants are suitable for both children and adults with severe hearing loss who are not benefiting from hearing aids.

• #1 Cochlear Implant Program | Boston Medical Center

  https://www.bmc.org/hearing-problems-audiology/cochlear-implant-program

  A cochlear implant may help. A cochlear implant is different from a hearing aid. A hearing aid makes sounds louder and helps someone who has some hearing loss; a cochlear implant can help a person with very little or no hearing (partial or complete deafness) be able to hear. […] A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that stimulates the cochlear nerve (nerve for hearing). It has two parts. One part sits behind the ear. It picks up sounds with a microphone, processes the sound, and transmits it to the second part of the implant. The second part is implanted in the inner ear during a surgery. A thin wire and small electrodes leads to the cochlea, which is part of the inner ear. The wire sends signals to the auditory nerve, the nerve that sends sound impulses to the brain. A cochlear implant helps give a person a sense of sounds. It doesn’t restore hearing to normal, but it can help a person understand speech and noises in the environment.

• #1 Cochlear Implants & Other Implantable Devices – Hearing Loss Association of America

  https://www.hearingloss.org/find-help/cochlear-implants-other-implantable-devices/

  If your hearing loss cannot be treated effectively by hearing aids, you may be a candidate for one of three types of implantable devices: […] Cochlear implant (CI) is a small electronic device with four internal and external components: […] Eligibility for a cochlear implant begins with a comprehensive evaluation and testing, generally by an otolaryngologist (ear-nose-throat doctor, or ENT), often in conjunction with an audiologist. Most candidates have difficulty understanding spoken communication, even with hearing aids. […] While it cannot restore normal hearing, a CI may help someone with significant or complex hearing loss to receive sounds and better understand speech. […] While a CI helps sound to bypass a damaged cochlea, other implantable devices that bypass the middle or outer ear are used as alternatives to conventional hearing aids for those who cant wear them. […] Middle ear implants are a newer solution for those who cannot wear ear molds due to allergies, infections, skin conditions, narrow or blocked ear canals or misshapen ears.

• #1 Cochlear Implant Surgical Procedure

  https://healthlibrary.wjmc.org/library/TestsProcedures/LabTests/135,81

  A cochlear implant is not right for everyone. To find out if an implant is right for you: You’ll need to meet with hearing and speech specialists. These may include an audiologist, otologist, and speech-language pathologist. […] Cochlear implant surgery is done in a hospital or clinic. The surgery lasts 2 to 4 hours. You are given medicine (general anesthesia) to make you sleep during the procedure. […] You will have some time to heal after the surgery before the implant process is finished. This lets the swelling go down so the implant fits correctly. About 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery, the external parts of the implant will be added. […] You will also learn how to use and care for the implant. You may need to return for several visits over a few days for adjustments. More fine-tuning may be done over several months. Learning to use a cochlear implant is a slow process. […] Get a checkup every year by an audiologist to map and reprogram the implant.

• #1 What happens at a cochlear implant evaluation? | SIU School of Medicine

  https://www.siumed.edu/surgery/ent/what-happens-cochlear-implant-evaluation.html

  Most insurances will approve and cover cochlear implantation. Prior to surgery, we will contact your insurance and obtain pre-certification of benefits. […] You will not be able to hear in the surgical ear after surgery until your cochlear implant is activated. […] Your audiologist will turn the implant on 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. You should bring a family member or friend to this very important appointment. The audiologist will program the implant, and you will hear sounds for the first time with the implant. The quality will not sound normal but do not be disappointed or discouraged. Typically, patients describe the sound quality as robotic or tinny. This will improve over time.

• #1 Cochlear implant – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochlear_implant

  Cochlear implantation surgery is considered a clean procedure with an infection rate of less than 3%. Guidelines suggest that routine prophylactic antibiotics are not required. However, the potential cost of a postoperative infection is high (including the possibility of implant loss); therefore, a single preoperative intravenous injection of antibiotics is recommended. […] Cochlear implant outcomes can be measured using speech recognition ability and functional improvements measured using patient reported outcome measures. While the degree of improvement after cochlear implantation may vary, the majority of patients who receive cochlear implants demonstrate a significant improvement in speech recognition ability compared to their preoperative condition. […] A 2019 study found that bilateral cochlear implantation was widely regarded as the most beneficial hearing intervention for acceptable candidates, although it is more likely to be performed and reimbursed in children than adults. The study also found that the efficacy of bilateral implantation could be improved by enhancing communication between the two implants and by developing sound coding strategies specifically for bilateral users.

• #1

  https://www.cochlear.com/us/en/home/diagnosis-and-treatment/diagnosing-hearing-loss/types-and-causes-of-hearing-loss

  Treatment options include: […] hearing aids […] cochlear implants […] Treatment options include: […] hearing aids […] hybrid implants […] Treatment options include: […] CROS hearing aids […] cochlear implants […] Treatment options include: […] hearing aids […] Active OSI system […] bone conduction solutions […] Treatment options include: […] hearing aids […] Active OSI system […] bone conduction solutions […] Understanding your degree of hearing loss is integral to identifying the right treatment. For example, hearing aids may be a good solution for someone with mild to moderate hearing loss, while hearing implants may be a good solution for someone with moderate to profound hearing loss. […] Make an appointment with a hearing health professional that is trained in advanced hearing treatment options, including hearing implants, to discuss possible solutions. […] Do you wear powerful hearing aids but still struggle to hear? An implantable hearing solution may be the answer you’ve been looking for. […] Visiting an audiologist who specializes in advanced hearing solutions is critical to finding the right solution for your specific needs.

• #1 Recommended Protocol for Audiological Assessment, Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Evaluation, and Follow-up – Alexander Graham Bell Association

  https://agbell.org/know-your-rights/recommended-protocol-for-audiological-assessment-hearing-aid-and-cochlear-implant-evaluation-and-follow-up/

  If adequate access to the full spectrum of acoustic information of spoken language cannot be achieved for an infant or child through conventional amplification, information should be provided to the family regarding cochlear implant (CI) technology, including benefits and risks as documented in published, peer-reviewed literature along with referral to a pediatric cochlear implant center. […] Following initial mapping of the cochlear implant speech processor(s), re-mapping should be conducted on the schedule recommended by the cochlear implant team given the child’s age, device(s) implanted, number of electrodes activated, and additional individual considerations such as a bilateral or bimodal fitting. […] Sound Field warble tone or narrowband noise thresholds and speech perception testing should be performed whenever the speech processor is programmed and may be helpful along with other troubleshooting techniques whenever problems are suspected. […] Functional auditory assessments (e.g., PEACH, LittlEARS) to validate hearing aid fitting.

• #1 What Are Cochlear Implants for Hearing? | NIDCD

  https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/cochlear-implants

  A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard-of-hearing. […] A cochlear implant is very different from a hearing aid. Hearing aids amplify sounds so they may be detected by damaged ears. Cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. […] Use of a cochlear implant requires both a surgical procedure and significant therapy to learn or relearn the sense of hearing. […] The decision to receive an implant should involve discussions with medical specialists, including an experienced cochlear-implant surgeon. […] Surgical implantations are almost always safe, although complications are a risk factor, just as with any kind of surgery. […] NIDCD supports research to enhance the benefits of cochlear implants.

• #1 Cochlear Implants (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cochlear.html

  Children with cochlear implants begin auditory rehabilitation (listening therapy) and speech and language therapy soon after surgery. Auditory rehabilitation helps a child identify sounds and associate meanings with those sounds. Speech therapy helps them develop and understand spoken language. Expect these sessions to happen once or twice weekly for at least a year.

• #1 Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants? — Hearing Health Foundation

  https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/hearing-aids-or-cochlear-implants

  Ultimately, both cochlear implants and hearing aids work to help those with hearing loss to communicate better with the outside world and improve their everyday quality of life. […] Cochlear implants are small devices that are surgically implanted by a surgeon, most often by an ear, nose, and throat specialist, or an ENT, also known as an otolaryngologist. The implants stimulate the auditory nerve in order to create the sensation of sound. […] Following cochlear implant surgery, patients will need additional support and guidance from speech language experts and audiologists in order to understand and correctly interpret the signals they are being sent via the technology. Within three to six months of use, the vast majority of those fitted with cochlear implants are able to make considerable progress in communication and interpreting speech and sounds around them.

• #1 Cochlear Implantation

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7851969/

  Successful auditory rehabilitation is defined as the patients (re)gaining of hearing and speech ability. […] Today, the goal of auditory rehabilitation with CI is speech intelligibility without the aid of lipreading, when telephoning, and in a noisy environment (background noise). […] The effects of cochlear implantation far exceed a mere improvement in hearing, since they have a positive impact on every aspect of the affected persons social, emotional, and cognitive abilities. […] CI treatment results in significant improvements in speech intelligibility, cognitive performance, and quality of life in profoundly hearing-impaired or deaf children and adults.

• #1 Is a cochlear implant right for you? – Mayo Clinic Health System

  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/beyond-hearing-aids-cochlear-implants

  Many also tend to avoid social situations because they feel isolated and are unable to participate in the conversations around them. […] The surgery takes two to four hours, and most people can go home the same day. […] Usually, the implant is not turned on immediately after surgery because the incision is given a few weeks to heal. […] Implants need to be programmed, which audiologists do with the patient over several months after surgery. […] Outcomes after cochlear implantation generally are good. On average, patients can expect improvement in their ability to understand speech and words by about six to seven times with the cochlear implant over what they could hear before the surgery. […] Talk with your health care team about your hearing loss and ask if a cochlear implant is a possible treatment for you.

• #1

  https://www.utmbhealth.com/services/ent/hearing-solutions/cochlear-implants

  Cochlear implants are a treatment option when a person cannot obtain sufficient benefit from hearing aids to rely on listening for communication. […] The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of cochlear implants for individuals who meet the specified criteria. […] Yes, cochlear implants and their surgery are covered by Medicaid and Medicare, as well as the majority of private health insurance companies. […] While cochlear implant surgery is safe when performed by a well-trained, experienced surgeon, the surgery is not simple, and requires a great deal of surgical skill. […] If are interested in learning more, call to make an appointment with the UTMB cochlear implant team for assessment and discussion. […] Currently cochlear implants last, on average, in excess of 20 years.

• #1 Cochlear implants: What are they and how do they work?

  https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/hearing-aids/cochlear-implants

  Adults may qualify for cochlear implantation regardless of whether they lost their hearing before or after learning language. […] Adult candidates are generally eligible for an implant if they have severe or profound hearing loss in both ears. […] To determine if you or a loved one is eligible for an implant, you will first need to undergo audiological and psychological testing, a medical exam and imaging studies. […] After that step, the next step is usually implantation surgery, which is done under general anesthesia. […] About four to six weeks after the surgery, the patient will return to the cochlear implantation center to be fitted with the external device. […] This first appointment will be followed by other fine-tuning and adjustments to the cochlear implant map as the patient begins his or her new hearing journey. […] Cochlear implants may require a prior authorization in order for insurance to pick up the tab. […] Medicare covers cochlear implants. […] Your ENT doctor and audiologist will recommend the best cochlear implant for you, based on your hearing exam results and anatomical considerations.

• #1 Hearing Loss in Adults: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0715/p98.html

  The FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 allows direct-to-consumer sale of hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, for which limited outcome studies show improved hearing, communication, and social engagement. […] Information on hearing aid use should be provided to patients. It should incorporate patient expectations, perceived self-benefit, satisfaction, readiness to accept change, and support from significant others. […] Over-the-counter hearing aids should be recommended for patients with mild hearing loss. […] Patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss should be referred to an otolaryngologist for audiologic evaluation. […] Patients in whom hearing loss is suspected should be referred for pure tone audiometry, in which signals are delivered through air conduction and bone conduction to assess hearing thresholds.

• #1 Hearing Aids – Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna

  https://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/600_699/0612.html

  This Clinical Policy Bulletin addresses air conduction and implantable hearing aids. […] Aetna considers the following medically necessary: Air conduction hearing aids when the following criteria are met: Hearing thresholds 40 decibels (dB) HL or greater at 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, or 4000 hertz (Hz); or Hearing thresholds 26 dB HL or greater at three of these frequencies; or Speech recognition less than 94 percent; […] Implantable hearing aids (e.g., the Esteem implantable hearing system and the Carina prosthesis) and semi-implantable hearing aids (e.g., the Maxum system and the Vibrant Soundbridge) for members who have moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing impairment and can not tolerate an ear mold because of medical conditions (such as auricular atresia or severe chronic otitis externa);

• #1 Implantable Hearing Devices | Otolaryngology⁠ — Head & Neck Surgery | Stanford Medicine

  https://med.stanford.edu/ohns/OHNS-healthcare/earinstitute/conditions-and-services/services/audiology/implantable-hearing-devices.html

  Most private insurers are now approving second side cochlear implants to allow for better understanding of speech in noisy situations and better awareness of sound direction. […] A number of patients have good low frequency hearing but poor middle to high frequency hearing. […] This allows patients to keep their natural low frequency hearing and wear a combined hearing aid and cochlear implant. […] A cochlear implant is the only available treatment that can return sound to the deaf ear to provide better stereo sound, better understanding of speech in noisy situations and is a good option for those patients with significant tinnitus in that ear.

• #1 Better diagnostics for enhanced hearing with cochlear implants

  https://www.medica-tradefair.com/en/medtech-devices/better-diagnostics-hearing-cochlear-implant

  A research team from Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the University of Oldenburg is delving into the intricate processes of how the human brain adapts to electrical hearing through cochlear implants (CIs). The study, part of the Hearing4all Cluster of Excellence, aims to shed light on the diverse mechanisms influencing speech comprehension among CI users. […] Before the examination, the electrodes of the EEG cap must be coated with contact gel. […] Exhibitors and products related to this topic can be found in the database of MEDICA: Hearing aids, Equipment for audiological diagnostics, Implants and protheses. […] The cochlear implant, a prevalent auditory implant treating hearing loss, plays a pivotal role in providing approximately 50,000 individuals in Germany access to the world of hearing. However, the effectiveness of CI varies widely among users, with some grasping speech shortly after implantation and others requiring years of adaptation.

• #1 Better diagnostics for enhanced hearing with cochlear implants

  https://www.medica-tradefair.com/en/medtech-devices/better-diagnostics-hearing-cochlear-implant

  A critical measure of CI success is the ability to comprehend speech, particularly in challenging acoustic scenarios. Factors like background noise and disruptive elements significantly impact the quality of care. […] Emission tomography (PET) and electroencephalography (EEG) reveal auditory processing nuances. […] Formerly deaf individuals, now equipped with CIs, sometimes activate different brain regions for hearing compared to those with normal hearing. […] Traditionally, assessing CI efficacy relied on precise hearing tests. The combination of PET and EEG recordings enables researchers to delve deeper, understanding the varied auditory processing strategies among users. […] Hearing loss not only hinders societal participation but also influences the quality of life, potentially leading to age-related disorders. The outcomes of this research hold significant implications for the development of therapeutic strategies that could positively impact the lives of CI users.

• #1

  https://newsroom.uw.edu/news-releases/genetic-diagnosis-helps-guide-care-childhood-hearing-loss

  Advances in understanding the many different genetic causes of childhood-onset hearing loss indicate that genomic testing could assist in treatment planning, including optimal timing of treatment. […] The findings show that genetic testing is a valuable tool in determining prognosis for a child’s hearing loss and in predicting how useful a cochlear implant could be for that child’s understanding of speech. […] With genetic diagnosis, it is possible to anticipate future hearing loss across sound frequencies and progression with age, the researchers noted in their paper. […] For more than half of pediatric patients, genomic testing can now identify a genetic cause for their hearing loss and often provide critical information on its clinical characteristics, explained Carlson. […] The severity of hearing loss, the sound frequencies most affected, and changes in hearing loss over time varied by gene, and, in some cases, by the type of variant within the gene.

• #1

  https://newsroom.uw.edu/news-releases/genetic-diagnosis-helps-guide-care-childhood-hearing-loss

  All of the children who had cochlear implants had better speech perception than before they received their implants. […] However, the researchers concluded that differences in success of cochlear implants related to the genetic diagnosis was not substantial enough to preclude a cochlear implant for any patient who otherwise met the implant criteria. […] Genetic testing for hearing loss can identify a genetic cause in most pediatric patients. […] Genetic testing could resolve that gap. […] Genetic testing can identify syndromic forms of hearing loss and lead to necessary referrals of children to key specialists. […] Finally, genetic diagnoses can be more effectively used to inform precision treatment for childhood hearing loss. […] Once the expected clinical characteristics of a certain genetic cause is known, that information can be used to evaluate prognosis and guide treatment.

• #1 Envoy Medical Secures Four Patents Advancing Cochlear Implant and Hearing Aid Tech | The Hearing Review

  https://hearingreview.com/hearing-products/implants-bone-conduction/cochlear-implants/envoy-medical-secures-four-patents-advancing-cochlear-implant-and-hearing-aid-tech

  Envoy Medical has announced four new patents enhancing cochlear implant systems, focusing on signal processing, calibration, and diagnostics. […] One patent focuses on electrode impedance diagnostics, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of cochlear implant systems through improved monitoring. […] This patent relates to electrode impedance diagnostics in cochlear implant systems. A cochlear implant system can determine an impedance associated with a current path from a source element to a return electrode and determine one or more stimulation parameters for the source element based on the impedance.

• #1 Cochlear Implant – Morgridge Institute for Research

  https://morgridge.org/community/teaching-learning/medical-devices/cochlear-implant/

  Severely to profoundly deaf adults and children who get little or no benefit from hearing aids. […] A cochlear implant is very different from a hearing aid. Hearing aids amplify sounds so they may be detected by damaged ears. Cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. […] The technology is continuously improving and it is likely that most users will enjoy nearly normal hearing in the future.

• #2 Cochlear Implantation: Diagnosis, Indications, and Auditory Rehabilitation Results (09.10.2020)

  https://di.aerzteblatt.de/int/archive/article/216085

  Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for the successful auditory rehabilitation of high-grade hearing impairment. […] The preoperative diagnostic work-up helps establish the indication for cochlear implantation and verifies the feasibility of the surgical procedure, the subsequent basic and follow-up treatment, as well as aftercare, to restore hearing. […] The pre-diagnostic work-up involves an assessment of medical, medicotechnical, developmental psychological, and social indication criteria. […] Adults represent the main indication group for CI treatment in Germany. […] The hearing diagnosis must confirm sensorineural hearing loss. […] Cochlear implantation is only indicated when all components are present. […] The definitive indication is then made by an ENT specialist on the basis of an extensive interdisciplinary clinical, audiological, radiological, and psychological diagnostic work-up.

• #2 Recommended Protocol for Audiological Assessment, Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Evaluation, and Follow-up – Alexander Graham Bell Association

  https://agbell.org/know-your-rights/recommended-protocol-for-audiological-assessment-hearing-aid-and-cochlear-implant-evaluation-and-follow-up/

  The initial audiological test battery to confirm a hearing loss in infants must include electrophysiological measures and—when developmentally appropriate—behavioral methods. […] Confirmation of an infant’s hearing status requires a test battery of audiological test procedures to assess the integrity of the auditory system in each ear, to estimate hearing sensitivity across the speech frequency range, to determine the type of hearing loss, to establish a baseline for further monitoring, and to provide information needed to initiate the fitting of amplification devices. […] For infants from birth to a developmental age of approximately 6 months, the test battery should include a child and family history, an evaluation of risk factors for congenital hearing loss, and a parental report of the infant’s responses to sound.

• #2 Cochlear Implantation: Diagnosis, Indications, and Auditory Rehabilitation Results (09.10.2020)

  https://di.aerzteblatt.de/int/archive/article/216085

  In children with congenital prelingual profound hearing loss, as well as perilingual deafness, the indication is primarily made on the basis of the audiological threshold, which is objectively determined using frequency-specific BERA (brainstem evoked response audiometry). […] The indication limit for cochlear implantation is a maximum monosyllabic score with optimal hearing aid gain in quiet of 60%. […] The timing of CI treatment in adults with postlingual deafness is not limited by the time of onset of hearing loss, since successful implantation can still be achieved decades after deafness. […] Cochlear implantation, performed in specialized centers, is a safe and reliable technique and regularly enables the successful rehabilitation of hearing in both children and adults.

• #2 Cochlear Implantation

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7851969/

  The limit for CI indication today is considered to be an averaged audiological threshold of 70 dB HL, since it is generally no longer possible to achieve sufficient speech intelligibility with conventional hearing aids above this threshold. […] The preoperative diagnostic work-up helps establish the indication for cochlear implantation and verifies the feasibility of the surgical procedure, the subsequent basic and follow-up treatment, as well as aftercare, to restore hearing. […] The hearing diagnosis must confirm sensorineural hearing loss. […] Cochlear implantation is only indicated when all components are present. […] The pre-diagnostic work-up requires interdisciplinary and interprofessional coordination between the various specialist disciplines (ENT medicine, neuroradiology, phoniatrics, and pedaudiology, neuropaediatrics, anesthesiology, and speech therapy, among others), as well as a consultation with the patient and all those in their environment.

• #2 Treatment and Intervention for Hearing Loss | Hearing Loss in Children | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/hearing-loss-children/treatment/index.html

  Hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop speech, language, and social skills. […] Babies who are diagnosed with hearing loss should begin to get intervention services as soon as possible, but no later than 6 months of age. […] Hearing aids make sounds louder. […] A cochlear implant may help many children with severe to profound hearing loss even very young children. […] An auditory brainstem implant directly stimulates the hearing pathways in the brainstem, bypassing the inner ear and hearing nerve. […] This type of hearing aid can be considered when a child has either a conductive, mixed, or unilateral hearing loss and is specifically suitable for children who cannot otherwise wear in the ear or behind the ear hearing aids. […] Medications or surgery may also help make the most of a person’s hearing. […] Placing a cochlear implant, auditory brainstem implant, or bone-anchored hearing aid will also require a surgery.

• #2 NCD – Cochlear Implantation (50.3)

  https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?ncdid=245

  A cochlear implant device is an electronic instrument, part of which is implanted surgically to stimulate auditory nerve fibers, and part of which is worn or carried by the individual to capture, analyze, and code sound. Cochlear implant devices are available in single-channel and multi-channel models. The purpose of implanting the device is to provide awareness and identification of sounds and to facilitate communication for persons who are moderately to profoundly hearing impaired. […] Effective for services performed on or after September 26, 2022, cochlear implantation may be covered for treatment of bilateral pre- or post-linguistic, sensorineural, moderate-to-profound hearing loss in individuals who demonstrate limited benefit from amplification. Limited benefit from amplification is defined by test scores of less than or equal to 60% correct in the best-aided listening condition on recorded tests of open-set sentence recognition. Patients must meet all of the following criteria.

• #2 What Are Cochlear Implants for Hearing? | NIDCD

  https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/cochlear-implants

  A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard-of-hearing. […] A cochlear implant is very different from a hearing aid. Hearing aids amplify sounds so they may be detected by damaged ears. Cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. […] Use of a cochlear implant requires both a surgical procedure and significant therapy to learn or relearn the sense of hearing. […] The decision to receive an implant should involve discussions with medical specialists, including an experienced cochlear-implant surgeon. […] Surgical implantations are almost always safe, although complications are a risk factor, just as with any kind of surgery. […] NIDCD supports research to enhance the benefits of cochlear implants.

• #2 CG-SURG-81 Cochlear Implants and Auditory Brainstem Implants

  https://www.anthem.com/dam/medpolicies/abc/active/guidelines/gl_pw_d083867.html

  The process often involves advanced imaging techniques such as computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the inner ear anatomy. […] A cochlear implant directly stimulates the auditory nerve, bypassing the physiologic transduction of sound into neural impulses by a poorly functioning cochlea. […] The first cochlear implants used in the 1960s had limited utility because they could only provide stimulation at a single frequency. […] Compared to earlier devices, currently marketed cochlear implants have improved electrode designs and speech processing capabilities. […] The FDA approval of the Hybrid L24 was based on a multicenter, nonrandomized, unblinded single-subject study where participants served as their own control. […] The primary safety endpoint was the number and proportion of participants experiencing an adverse event, defined as any surgical and/or device events. […] The FDA approval of the Nucleus 24 Auditory Brain Stem Implant System was based on results of a case series of 90 individuals in which 28 complications occurred in 26 individuals.

• #2 Cochlear Implants (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cochlear.html

  A cochlear implant is a surgically placed device that helps a person with severe hearing loss hear sounds. […] Cochlear implants are considered for children with profound hearing loss who can be as young as 9 months old. […] A cochlear implant team will help decide if cochlear implants are a good option. This team includes an audiologist (hearing specialist), an ear-nose-throat (ENT) doctor, a speech therapist, a psychologist, and a social worker. […] Kids being considered for the surgery will: get hearing tests, have speech/language evaluations, use a hearing aid for a while to see if it helps, get computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to look at the inner ear and the bones that surround it. […] The audiologist will turn on the cochlear implants about 24 weeks after surgery. The team fine-tunes them over several weeks to meet your child’s hearing needs. They’ll also teach you how to care for and operate it.

• #2 Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants? — Hearing Health Foundation

  https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/hearing-aids-or-cochlear-implants

  Hearing aids do not require any surgery prior to use, and are suited to those with less severe hearing loss and fair speech understanding. The devices worn in the ear canal are removable and are designed to amplify sound for those who experience mild to severe hearing loss. […] If you believe a hearing aid or cochlear implant could improve your quality of life, be sure to seek out the advice of hearing care professional to discuss your needs.

• #2 Hearing loss – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373077

  An audiologist and a health care provider trained in the ears, nose and throat (ENT) can tell you the risks and benefits. […] Hearing aids, because they’re digital, can be adjusted over a wide range of hearing loss. […] So there isn’t one best hearing aid for older people versus younger people. We try to choose a hearing aid that’s going to fit the person’s needs. […] An audiologist like Dr. Hogan can help you sort through all the options and create a personal solution for your hearing problem.

• #2 Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: What’s the Difference? – Hearing & Balance Services of Reston

  https://balancehear.com/hearing-aids-vs-cochlear-implants-whats-the-difference/

  Cochlear implants are special devices that help people with severe to profound hearing loss. […] Cochlear implants are usually used for people with severe hearing loss who can no longer benefit from using hearing aids. […] Cochlear implants dont cure or fix hearing loss. […] People who get cochlear implants need to have training and practice to help them understand and interpret the signals from the implant. […] Both adults and children can benefit from cochlear implants, although they are often recommended at a younger age when it may be easier to adapt to them. […] People with hearing loss are more likely to use hearing aids than cochlear implants. […] Hearing aids can be used by people with mild hearing loss, as well as by those with more severe hearing loss. […] While cochlear implants can be an option for some people, the majority of people with hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids. […] Your audiologist can help you to get the correct diagnosis, choose your hearing aids, and make sure that they fit properly. […] Discover more about hearing aids and ask about hearing tests when you call Hearing Balance Services of Reston at 703-260-6192.

• #2 Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants? — Hearing Health Foundation

  https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/hearing-aids-or-cochlear-implants

  Hearing aids are the number one choice for the majority of people with hearing loss, but for those who have severe or profound hearing loss, cochlear implants may be a better option, especially if they are found not to benefit from hearing aids. […] Cochlear implants are indicated for people with severe to profound hearing loss and of all ages, from newborns to seniors, when hearing aids no longer are beneficial. […] For those unfamiliar with hearing loss, it is a common misconception that cochlear implants are just another form of a hearing aid. In fact hearing aids and cochlear implants each have varying purposes and are suitable for different individuals based on their specific diagnosis. […] Both hearing aids and cochlear implants are recommended for those diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, meaning that damage has occurred within hair cells of their inner ear and/or the nerve pathways that connect the inner ear to the brain.

• #2 Cochlear Implant: Cost, Pros, Cons, Risks, How It Works

  https://www.healthline.com/health/cochlear-implant

  A cochlear implant may benefit those with severe hearing loss. […] The cochlea is the spiral-shaped organ in your inner ear. Theres a main difference between cochlear implants and standard hearing aids: […] Cochlear implants are good options when theres severe hearing loss in one or both ears and loss of speech understanding. […] Successfully using a cochlear implant also requires extensive therapy and training. […] A cochlear implant is a small electronic medical device that improves moderate to severe hearing loss. […] The device works by electrically stimulating the cochlear nerve. […] This device, which is surgically implanted in your cochlea, converts sounds into electrical impulses, which are interpreted by your brain. […] An audiologist and an ENT doctor will use hearing exams and imaging tests to help determine whether its right for you, as well as your level of hearing loss. […] After surgery, its important to commit to audiologic rehabilitation. This is essential for improving your outlook and using the cochlear implant successfully.

• #2 Cochlear implants – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cochlear-implants/about/pac-20385021

  Cochlear implants can improve hearing in people with severe hearing loss when hearing aids no longer help. […] Cochlear implants may be put in one ear, called unilateral. Some people have cochlear implants in both ears, called bilateral. […] Adults often have one cochlear implant and one hearing aid at first. Adults may then move to two cochlear implants as the hearing loss gets worse in the ear with the hearing aid. […] Cochlear implants often are put in both ears at the same time in children who have severe hearing loss in both ears. This is most often done for infants and children who are learning to speak. […] To get a cochlear implant, you must: Have hearing loss that gets in the way of talking with others. […] Cochlear implant surgery is safe. But rare risks can include: Infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, called bacterial meningitis. […] Cochlear implants most often work better in people who knew how to speak and read before the hearing loss. […] For adults, the best results often are linked to less time between hearing loss and cochlear implant surgery.

• #2 Hearing technology options | Hearing aids and implants

  https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/childhood-deafness/hearing-aids-and-implants/options/

  Bone conduction devices may be an option if your child has temporary or permanent conductive deafness and doesn’t benefit from wearing a conventional hearing aid. […] Middle ear implants are surgically implanted hearing aids and are a suitable treatment option for mild to severe sensorineural, conductive and mixed hearing loss. They are used when conventional hearing aids are not an option due to medical reasons. […] Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) stimulate the auditory brainstem directly, bypassing the ear and auditory nerve, to provide a sensation of hearing. […] ABIs may be suitable for children who are profoundly deaf (as hearing aids will not be an option for this type of deafness) and who are also not suitable candidates for cochlear implants.

• #2 Cochlear Implants for Hearing Loss | Pacific Neuroscience Institute

  https://www.pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org/eye-ent/hearing/treatment/cochlear-implants/

  Cochlear implants are recommended when a person cannot hear well with hearing aids or with significant hearing loss in just one ear. […] Cochlear implants are not suitable for everyone but can be highly effective for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, where the issue lies in the inner ear (cochlea) rather than the auditory nerve or brain. […] The purpose of the cochlear implant evaluation is to obtain a comprehensive view of how an individual is performing with optimally fit hearing aids so we can determine if a surgical approach is best suited for the patient. […] The cochlear implant is not a quick fix and involves time, patience, and practice to meet your listening goals. […] Cochlear implants are covered by insurance policies including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance carriers and vocational rehabilitation.

• #2 Cochlear Implant Surgical Procedure

  https://healthlibrary.wjmc.org/library/TestsProcedures/LabTests/135,81

  A cochlear implant is not right for everyone. To find out if an implant is right for you: You’ll need to meet with hearing and speech specialists. These may include an audiologist, otologist, and speech-language pathologist. […] Cochlear implant surgery is done in a hospital or clinic. The surgery lasts 2 to 4 hours. You are given medicine (general anesthesia) to make you sleep during the procedure. […] You will have some time to heal after the surgery before the implant process is finished. This lets the swelling go down so the implant fits correctly. About 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery, the external parts of the implant will be added. […] You will also learn how to use and care for the implant. You may need to return for several visits over a few days for adjustments. More fine-tuning may be done over several months. Learning to use a cochlear implant is a slow process. […] Get a checkup every year by an audiologist to map and reprogram the implant.

• #2 Cochlear Implantation

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7851969/

  Successful auditory rehabilitation is defined as the patients (re)gaining of hearing and speech ability. […] Today, the goal of auditory rehabilitation with CI is speech intelligibility without the aid of lipreading, when telephoning, and in a noisy environment (background noise). […] The effects of cochlear implantation far exceed a mere improvement in hearing, since they have a positive impact on every aspect of the affected persons social, emotional, and cognitive abilities. […] CI treatment results in significant improvements in speech intelligibility, cognitive performance, and quality of life in profoundly hearing-impaired or deaf children and adults.

• #2 Implants for hearing improvement: Heidelberg University Hospital

  https://www.heidelberg-university-hospital.com/diseases-treatments/brain-and-nervous-system-diseases/implants-for-hearing-improvement

  Prof. Dr. Patrick Schuler, Director of the Heidelberg ENT Department, has himself collaborated in the development of electronic hearing implants, and has extensive experience with implantations. […] Implants are available in cases of deafness that is not adequately treated with conventional hearing aids. […] A detailed diagnosis of your hearing will be carried out after a medical history and microscopic ear examination. […] Implant insertion is carried out with a procedure under general anesthesia during a short inpatient hospital stay. […] Following insertion of a cochlear implant, hearing must be practiced anew.

• #2 Cochlear implant – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochlear_implant

  Cochlear implantation surgery is considered a clean procedure with an infection rate of less than 3%. Guidelines suggest that routine prophylactic antibiotics are not required. However, the potential cost of a postoperative infection is high (including the possibility of implant loss); therefore, a single preoperative intravenous injection of antibiotics is recommended. […] Cochlear implant outcomes can be measured using speech recognition ability and functional improvements measured using patient reported outcome measures. While the degree of improvement after cochlear implantation may vary, the majority of patients who receive cochlear implants demonstrate a significant improvement in speech recognition ability compared to their preoperative condition. […] A 2019 study found that bilateral cochlear implantation was widely regarded as the most beneficial hearing intervention for acceptable candidates, although it is more likely to be performed and reimbursed in children than adults. The study also found that the efficacy of bilateral implantation could be improved by enhancing communication between the two implants and by developing sound coding strategies specifically for bilateral users.

• #2 Implantable Hearing Devices | Otolaryngology⁠ — Head & Neck Surgery | Stanford Medicine

  https://med.stanford.edu/ohns/OHNS-healthcare/earinstitute/conditions-and-services/services/audiology/implantable-hearing-devices.html

  Untreated hearing loss increases the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, social isolation, depression, and falls. Rehabilitating hearing is therefore of incredible importance in health and lifestyle maintenance. […] In most situations, surgery for implantable hearing devices at the Stanford Ear Institute can be done as an outpatient. […] If you are considering rehabilitating your hearing, or an implantable hearing device we also offer consultations where you can see the various devices and, in some circumstances, test what they are like. […] Studies show that over 85% of patient enjoy and wear their device long after implantation. […] Bone conduction devices work by driving sound directly through a patients bone into the inner ear rather than directing sound into the ear canal. […] Traditional cochlear implants are an implantable device that converts sound into electrical stimulation that is directed by a tiny electrode placed into the inner ear.

• #2 Cochlear Implants: Types, Candidate Criteria, & Surgery | University of Utah Health

  https://healthcare.utah.edu/ent/treatments-services/cochlear-implants

  A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device designed to improve your ability to hear. Otolarnygologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) and audiologists recommend cochlear implants for someone who has severe hearing loss or when hearing aids are no longer beneficial. […] Cochlear implants bypass ear damage to send a signal directly to the brain. […] Before you can get a cochlear implant, you must meet specific criteria, such as: hearing loss that does not improve with the use of hearing aids. […] If you meet the threshold, our audiologist will perform tests to verify your cochlear implant eligibility. […] Most insurance plans cover cochlear implants for patients who meet the criteria. These devices are different from hearing aids, so even insurance plans that do not cover hearing aids will usually cover cochlear implants.

• #2 What happens at a cochlear implant evaluation? | SIU School of Medicine

  https://www.siumed.edu/surgery/ent/what-happens-cochlear-implant-evaluation.html

  Most insurances will approve and cover cochlear implantation. Prior to surgery, we will contact your insurance and obtain pre-certification of benefits. […] You will not be able to hear in the surgical ear after surgery until your cochlear implant is activated. […] Your audiologist will turn the implant on 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. You should bring a family member or friend to this very important appointment. The audiologist will program the implant, and you will hear sounds for the first time with the implant. The quality will not sound normal but do not be disappointed or discouraged. Typically, patients describe the sound quality as robotic or tinny. This will improve over time.

• #2 Cochlear implants: What are they and how do they work?

  https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/hearing-aids/cochlear-implants

  Adults may qualify for cochlear implantation regardless of whether they lost their hearing before or after learning language. […] Adult candidates are generally eligible for an implant if they have severe or profound hearing loss in both ears. […] To determine if you or a loved one is eligible for an implant, you will first need to undergo audiological and psychological testing, a medical exam and imaging studies. […] After that step, the next step is usually implantation surgery, which is done under general anesthesia. […] About four to six weeks after the surgery, the patient will return to the cochlear implantation center to be fitted with the external device. […] This first appointment will be followed by other fine-tuning and adjustments to the cochlear implant map as the patient begins his or her new hearing journey. […] Cochlear implants may require a prior authorization in order for insurance to pick up the tab. […] Medicare covers cochlear implants. […] Your ENT doctor and audiologist will recommend the best cochlear implant for you, based on your hearing exam results and anatomical considerations.

• #2 Hearing Loss in Adults: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0715/p98.html

  The FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 allows direct-to-consumer sale of hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, for which limited outcome studies show improved hearing, communication, and social engagement. […] Information on hearing aid use should be provided to patients. It should incorporate patient expectations, perceived self-benefit, satisfaction, readiness to accept change, and support from significant others. […] Over-the-counter hearing aids should be recommended for patients with mild hearing loss. […] Patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss should be referred to an otolaryngologist for audiologic evaluation. […] Patients in whom hearing loss is suspected should be referred for pure tone audiometry, in which signals are delivered through air conduction and bone conduction to assess hearing thresholds.

• #2 Implantable Hearing Devices | Otolaryngology⁠ — Head & Neck Surgery | Stanford Medicine

  https://med.stanford.edu/ohns/OHNS-healthcare/earinstitute/conditions-and-services/services/audiology/implantable-hearing-devices.html

  Most private insurers are now approving second side cochlear implants to allow for better understanding of speech in noisy situations and better awareness of sound direction. […] A number of patients have good low frequency hearing but poor middle to high frequency hearing. […] This allows patients to keep their natural low frequency hearing and wear a combined hearing aid and cochlear implant. […] A cochlear implant is the only available treatment that can return sound to the deaf ear to provide better stereo sound, better understanding of speech in noisy situations and is a good option for those patients with significant tinnitus in that ear.

• #2 Better diagnostics for enhanced hearing with cochlear implants

  https://www.medica-tradefair.com/en/medtech-devices/better-diagnostics-hearing-cochlear-implant

  A research team from Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the University of Oldenburg is delving into the intricate processes of how the human brain adapts to electrical hearing through cochlear implants (CIs). The study, part of the Hearing4all Cluster of Excellence, aims to shed light on the diverse mechanisms influencing speech comprehension among CI users. […] Before the examination, the electrodes of the EEG cap must be coated with contact gel. […] Exhibitors and products related to this topic can be found in the database of MEDICA: Hearing aids, Equipment for audiological diagnostics, Implants and protheses. […] The cochlear implant, a prevalent auditory implant treating hearing loss, plays a pivotal role in providing approximately 50,000 individuals in Germany access to the world of hearing. However, the effectiveness of CI varies widely among users, with some grasping speech shortly after implantation and others requiring years of adaptation.

• #2 Better diagnostics for enhanced hearing with cochlear implants

  https://www.medica-tradefair.com/en/medtech-devices/better-diagnostics-hearing-cochlear-implant

  A critical measure of CI success is the ability to comprehend speech, particularly in challenging acoustic scenarios. Factors like background noise and disruptive elements significantly impact the quality of care. […] Emission tomography (PET) and electroencephalography (EEG) reveal auditory processing nuances. […] Formerly deaf individuals, now equipped with CIs, sometimes activate different brain regions for hearing compared to those with normal hearing. […] Traditionally, assessing CI efficacy relied on precise hearing tests. The combination of PET and EEG recordings enables researchers to delve deeper, understanding the varied auditory processing strategies among users. […] Hearing loss not only hinders societal participation but also influences the quality of life, potentially leading to age-related disorders. The outcomes of this research hold significant implications for the development of therapeutic strategies that could positively impact the lives of CI users.

• #2

  https://newsroom.uw.edu/news-releases/genetic-diagnosis-helps-guide-care-childhood-hearing-loss

  Advances in understanding the many different genetic causes of childhood-onset hearing loss indicate that genomic testing could assist in treatment planning, including optimal timing of treatment. […] The findings show that genetic testing is a valuable tool in determining prognosis for a child’s hearing loss and in predicting how useful a cochlear implant could be for that child’s understanding of speech. […] With genetic diagnosis, it is possible to anticipate future hearing loss across sound frequencies and progression with age, the researchers noted in their paper. […] For more than half of pediatric patients, genomic testing can now identify a genetic cause for their hearing loss and often provide critical information on its clinical characteristics, explained Carlson. […] The severity of hearing loss, the sound frequencies most affected, and changes in hearing loss over time varied by gene, and, in some cases, by the type of variant within the gene.

• #2 Envoy Medical Secures Four Patents Advancing Cochlear Implant and Hearing Aid Tech | The Hearing Review

  https://hearingreview.com/hearing-products/implants-bone-conduction/cochlear-implants/envoy-medical-secures-four-patents-advancing-cochlear-implant-and-hearing-aid-tech

  Envoy Medical has announced four new patents enhancing cochlear implant systems, focusing on signal processing, calibration, and diagnostics. […] One patent focuses on electrode impedance diagnostics, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of cochlear implant systems through improved monitoring. […] This patent relates to electrode impedance diagnostics in cochlear implant systems. A cochlear implant system can determine an impedance associated with a current path from a source element to a return electrode and determine one or more stimulation parameters for the source element based on the impedance.

• #3 Cochlear Implantation

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7851969/

  Hearing impairment that is too severe to be adequately treated with conventional hearing aids can lead, in children, to severe developmental disturbances of hearing and language, and, in adults, to communicative and social deprivation. […] Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for the successful auditory rehabilitation of high-grade hearing impairment. […] The indication is made on the basis of a thorough ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and interdisciplinary pre-diagnostic work-up, which takes into consideration the patients audiological, anatomical, and psychosocial conditions and is carried out in specialized centers. […] Cochlear implantation is indicated in profound hearing loss (bordering on deafness) that cannot be adequately treated through other auditory rehabilitation measures.

• #3 Hearing loss – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373077

  Tests to diagnose hearing loss may include: […] A specialist in hearing loss, known as an audiologist, does these more-thorough tests. Sounds and words are directed through earphones to each ear. Each tone is repeated at low levels to find the quietest sound you can hear. […] If hearing loss is from damage to the inner ear, a hearing aid can be helpful. A hearing specialist, known as an audiologist, can talk about how hearing aids can help and what kinds there are. Audiologists also can fit you with a hearing aid. […] When a regular hearing aid isn’t likely to help much, a cochlear implant might be an option. A cochlear implant isn’t like a hearing aid that makes sound stronger and directs it into the ear canal. Instead, a cochlear implant goes around the parts of the inner ear that don’t work to spur the hearing nerve.

• #3 Recommended Protocol for Audiological Assessment, Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Evaluation, and Follow-up – Alexander Graham Bell Association

  https://agbell.org/know-your-rights/recommended-protocol-for-audiological-assessment-hearing-aid-and-cochlear-implant-evaluation-and-follow-up/

  The initial audiological test battery to confirm a hearing loss in infants must include electrophysiological measures and—when developmentally appropriate—behavioral methods. […] Confirmation of an infant’s hearing status requires a test battery of audiological test procedures to assess the integrity of the auditory system in each ear, to estimate hearing sensitivity across the speech frequency range, to determine the type of hearing loss, to establish a baseline for further monitoring, and to provide information needed to initiate the fitting of amplification devices. […] For infants from birth to a developmental age of approximately 6 months, the test battery should include a child and family history, an evaluation of risk factors for congenital hearing loss, and a parental report of the infant’s responses to sound.

• #3 What happens at a cochlear implant evaluation? | SIU School of Medicine

  https://www.siumed.edu/surgery/ent/what-happens-cochlear-implant-evaluation.html

  We will test your hearing and speech understanding both with and without your hearing aids to determine if you could benefit from an implant. Testing is performed by an audiologist who specializes in advanced hearing care. […] If the audiologist feels that a hearing aid trial is needed, this process will be discussed with you. […] You will be scheduled to have an xray, called a CAT SCAN or temporal bone CT, to check the inner ear for scar tissue or other problems that might prevent successful implantation. […] You will need to have immunizations (vaccinations) against the bacteria that can cause ear infections. Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax are required before you can have implant surgery. This is to minimize the risk of infection of the implant and around the brain (meningitis) that can occur with ear infections.

• #3 NCD – Cochlear Implantation (50.3)

  https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?ncdid=245

  Diagnosis of bilateral moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing impairment with limited benefit from appropriate hearing (or vibrotactile) aids; […] Cognitive ability to use auditory clues and a willingness to undergo an extended program of rehabilitation; […] Freedom from middle ear infection, an accessible cochlear lumen that is structurally suited to implantation, and freedom from lesions in the auditory nerve and acoustic areas of the central nervous system; […] No contraindications to surgery; and […] The device must be used in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved labeling. […] Medicare beneficiaries not meeting all of the coverage criteria for cochlear implantation listed in Section B are deemed not eligible for Medicare coverage except as described in Section D below.

• #3 Hearing Loss in Adults: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0715/p98.html

  Laboratory evaluation for primary care patients with hearing loss is not indicated unless systemic illness is suspected. There is no need for imaging if the hearing loss pattern suggests presbycusis. However, imaging is useful to evaluate and characterize conductive hearing loss, asymmetrical hearing loss, and sudden sensorineural hearing loss. […] An audiologist will typically assume responsibility for treating patients in whom hearing aids are indicated. […] Cochlear implants are used for moderate to profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. A cochlear implant is a surgically placed device that bypasses damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve.

• #3 Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants? — Hearing Health Foundation

  https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/hearing-aids-or-cochlear-implants

  Hearing aids are the number one choice for the majority of people with hearing loss, but for those who have severe or profound hearing loss, cochlear implants may be a better option, especially if they are found not to benefit from hearing aids. […] Cochlear implants are indicated for people with severe to profound hearing loss and of all ages, from newborns to seniors, when hearing aids no longer are beneficial. […] For those unfamiliar with hearing loss, it is a common misconception that cochlear implants are just another form of a hearing aid. In fact hearing aids and cochlear implants each have varying purposes and are suitable for different individuals based on their specific diagnosis. […] Both hearing aids and cochlear implants are recommended for those diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, meaning that damage has occurred within hair cells of their inner ear and/or the nerve pathways that connect the inner ear to the brain.

• #3 Cochlear Implant Surgical Procedure

  https://healthlibrary.wjmc.org/library/TestsProcedures/LabTests/135,81

  A cochlear implant is not right for everyone. To find out if an implant is right for you: You’ll need to meet with hearing and speech specialists. These may include an audiologist, otologist, and speech-language pathologist. […] Cochlear implant surgery is done in a hospital or clinic. The surgery lasts 2 to 4 hours. You are given medicine (general anesthesia) to make you sleep during the procedure. […] You will have some time to heal after the surgery before the implant process is finished. This lets the swelling go down so the implant fits correctly. About 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery, the external parts of the implant will be added. […] You will also learn how to use and care for the implant. You may need to return for several visits over a few days for adjustments. More fine-tuning may be done over several months. Learning to use a cochlear implant is a slow process. […] Get a checkup every year by an audiologist to map and reprogram the implant.

• #3 Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA)

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14794-bone-anchored-auditory-implant

  Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) are surgically implanted devices that may partially restore hearing for people with certain types of hearing loss. BAHA hearing aids use vibrations through the bones in your skull to send sounds to your inner ear. […] A bone-anchored hearing aid may restore partial hearing in people with certain types of hearing loss or those who aren’t good candidates for traditional hearing aids. […] To find out if you’re eligible for a bone-anchored hearing aid, talk to your healthcare provider. They can refer you to an otolaryngologist for an evaluation. […] Bone-anchored hearing aids rely on osseointegration. During this process, your bone fuses to the titanium implant, providing stability. […] BAHA hearing aids offer impressive results. Research studies indicate success rates of 90% or higher. […] Bone-anchored hearing aids use bone conduction rather than amplification to restore hearing in people with certain ear conditions and types of hearing loss. BAHA devices are minimally invasive and have high success rates.

• #3 What happens at a cochlear implant evaluation? | SIU School of Medicine

  https://www.siumed.edu/surgery/ent/what-happens-cochlear-implant-evaluation.html

  Most insurances will approve and cover cochlear implantation. Prior to surgery, we will contact your insurance and obtain pre-certification of benefits. […] You will not be able to hear in the surgical ear after surgery until your cochlear implant is activated. […] Your audiologist will turn the implant on 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. You should bring a family member or friend to this very important appointment. The audiologist will program the implant, and you will hear sounds for the first time with the implant. The quality will not sound normal but do not be disappointed or discouraged. Typically, patients describe the sound quality as robotic or tinny. This will improve over time.

• #3 Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implants and Assistive Technology

  https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/treatment/?srsltid=AfmBOoqPnn_tf6hYa8y-8OUXD0CTj1nC5yxvZ8RyFfmbuVhx6MXj2pWv

  Hearing aids can help with many types of hearing loss, and an audiologist can assist in finding the best hearing aid for you. […] A cochlear implant, in one or both ears, may be an option for some people with hearing loss. An audiologist can help you find out if a cochlear implant will help you. […] Audiologic rehabilitation helps people with hearing loss relearn skills that they have lost.

• #3 Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implants & Assistive Listening Devices | Florida Department of Health

  https://www.floridahealth.gov/%5C/provider-and-partner-resources/fccdhh/general-information/hearing-aids.html

  The Hearing Loss Association of America has a video about Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implants and Assistive Listening Devices as part of their Video Series: Learn About Hearing Loss. […] Your Healthcare team will assist when it comes time to choose your hearing aid. Make sure you know what your expectations are before selecting a hearing aid. […] Once you have answered these questions and purchased a hearing aid, you may be surprised at all the new sounds you hear. […] Also, remember that your hearing aid requires daily care. […] The Hear NOW program accepts donations and has provided more than 65,000 children and adults with hearing aids when they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford them. […] Cochlear Implant Information.

• #3 Implantable Hearing Devices | Otolaryngology⁠ — Head & Neck Surgery | Stanford Medicine

  https://med.stanford.edu/ohns/OHNS-healthcare/earinstitute/conditions-and-services/services/audiology/implantable-hearing-devices.html

  Most private insurers are now approving second side cochlear implants to allow for better understanding of speech in noisy situations and better awareness of sound direction. […] A number of patients have good low frequency hearing but poor middle to high frequency hearing. […] This allows patients to keep their natural low frequency hearing and wear a combined hearing aid and cochlear implant. […] A cochlear implant is the only available treatment that can return sound to the deaf ear to provide better stereo sound, better understanding of speech in noisy situations and is a good option for those patients with significant tinnitus in that ear.

• #3 Better diagnostics for enhanced hearing with cochlear implants

  https://www.medica-tradefair.com/en/medtech-devices/better-diagnostics-hearing-cochlear-implant

  A critical measure of CI success is the ability to comprehend speech, particularly in challenging acoustic scenarios. Factors like background noise and disruptive elements significantly impact the quality of care. […] Emission tomography (PET) and electroencephalography (EEG) reveal auditory processing nuances. […] Formerly deaf individuals, now equipped with CIs, sometimes activate different brain regions for hearing compared to those with normal hearing. […] Traditionally, assessing CI efficacy relied on precise hearing tests. The combination of PET and EEG recordings enables researchers to delve deeper, understanding the varied auditory processing strategies among users. […] Hearing loss not only hinders societal participation but also influences the quality of life, potentially leading to age-related disorders. The outcomes of this research hold significant implications for the development of therapeutic strategies that could positively impact the lives of CI users.

• #4 Severe Hearing Loss: Symptoms, Tests, Diagnosis, and Treatment

  https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/severe-hearing-loss

  The doctor may tell you to see an audiologist, a professional trained in treating hearing problems. They can measure how much hearing you or your child has lost using different tests. […] Pure tone audiometry. You’ll sit in a soundproof booth and wear headphones and a special headband. The audiologist will play different pitches of sound and ask you what you can hear. […] Speech audiometry. Also in the booth with headphones, you’ll hear different words at different volumes and repeat them to the audiologist. The test measures how softly and how clearly you can understand speech. […] Tympanometry. This is a test that is included in all evaluations to measure the middle ear space and rule out congestion or ear drum abnormalities. A small probe in each ear measures how your eardrum responds to air pushed into the ears.

• #4 Recommended Protocol for Audiological Assessment, Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Evaluation, and Follow-up – Alexander Graham Bell Association

  https://agbell.org/know-your-rights/recommended-protocol-for-audiological-assessment-hearing-aid-and-cochlear-implant-evaluation-and-follow-up/

  The initial audiological test battery to confirm a hearing loss in infants must include electrophysiological measures and—when developmentally appropriate—behavioral methods. […] Confirmation of an infant’s hearing status requires a test battery of audiological test procedures to assess the integrity of the auditory system in each ear, to estimate hearing sensitivity across the speech frequency range, to determine the type of hearing loss, to establish a baseline for further monitoring, and to provide information needed to initiate the fitting of amplification devices. […] For infants from birth to a developmental age of approximately 6 months, the test battery should include a child and family history, an evaluation of risk factors for congenital hearing loss, and a parental report of the infant’s responses to sound.

• #4 What happens at a cochlear implant evaluation? | SIU School of Medicine

  https://www.siumed.edu/surgery/ent/what-happens-cochlear-implant-evaluation.html

  We will test your hearing and speech understanding both with and without your hearing aids to determine if you could benefit from an implant. Testing is performed by an audiologist who specializes in advanced hearing care. […] If the audiologist feels that a hearing aid trial is needed, this process will be discussed with you. […] You will be scheduled to have an xray, called a CAT SCAN or temporal bone CT, to check the inner ear for scar tissue or other problems that might prevent successful implantation. […] You will need to have immunizations (vaccinations) against the bacteria that can cause ear infections. Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax are required before you can have implant surgery. This is to minimize the risk of infection of the implant and around the brain (meningitis) that can occur with ear infections.

• #4 NCD – Cochlear Implantation (50.3)

  https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?ncdid=245

  Diagnosis of bilateral moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing impairment with limited benefit from appropriate hearing (or vibrotactile) aids; […] Cognitive ability to use auditory clues and a willingness to undergo an extended program of rehabilitation; […] Freedom from middle ear infection, an accessible cochlear lumen that is structurally suited to implantation, and freedom from lesions in the auditory nerve and acoustic areas of the central nervous system; […] No contraindications to surgery; and […] The device must be used in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved labeling. […] Medicare beneficiaries not meeting all of the coverage criteria for cochlear implantation listed in Section B are deemed not eligible for Medicare coverage except as described in Section D below.

• #4 Cochlear Implants & Other Implantable Devices – Hearing Loss Association of America

  https://www.hearingloss.org/find-help/cochlear-implants-other-implantable-devices/

  If your hearing loss cannot be treated effectively by hearing aids, you may be a candidate for one of three types of implantable devices: […] Cochlear implant (CI) is a small electronic device with four internal and external components: […] Eligibility for a cochlear implant begins with a comprehensive evaluation and testing, generally by an otolaryngologist (ear-nose-throat doctor, or ENT), often in conjunction with an audiologist. Most candidates have difficulty understanding spoken communication, even with hearing aids. […] While it cannot restore normal hearing, a CI may help someone with significant or complex hearing loss to receive sounds and better understand speech. […] While a CI helps sound to bypass a damaged cochlea, other implantable devices that bypass the middle or outer ear are used as alternatives to conventional hearing aids for those who cant wear them. […] Middle ear implants are a newer solution for those who cannot wear ear molds due to allergies, infections, skin conditions, narrow or blocked ear canals or misshapen ears.

• #4 What happens at a cochlear implant evaluation? | SIU School of Medicine

  https://www.siumed.edu/surgery/ent/what-happens-cochlear-implant-evaluation.html

  Most insurances will approve and cover cochlear implantation. Prior to surgery, we will contact your insurance and obtain pre-certification of benefits. […] You will not be able to hear in the surgical ear after surgery until your cochlear implant is activated. […] Your audiologist will turn the implant on 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. You should bring a family member or friend to this very important appointment. The audiologist will program the implant, and you will hear sounds for the first time with the implant. The quality will not sound normal but do not be disappointed or discouraged. Typically, patients describe the sound quality as robotic or tinny. This will improve over time.

• #4 Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants? — Hearing Health Foundation

  https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/hearing-aids-or-cochlear-implants

  Ultimately, both cochlear implants and hearing aids work to help those with hearing loss to communicate better with the outside world and improve their everyday quality of life. […] Cochlear implants are small devices that are surgically implanted by a surgeon, most often by an ear, nose, and throat specialist, or an ENT, also known as an otolaryngologist. The implants stimulate the auditory nerve in order to create the sensation of sound. […] Following cochlear implant surgery, patients will need additional support and guidance from speech language experts and audiologists in order to understand and correctly interpret the signals they are being sent via the technology. Within three to six months of use, the vast majority of those fitted with cochlear implants are able to make considerable progress in communication and interpreting speech and sounds around them.

• #5 Severe Hearing Loss: Symptoms, Tests, Diagnosis, and Treatment

  https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/severe-hearing-loss

  The doctor may tell you to see an audiologist, a professional trained in treating hearing problems. They can measure how much hearing you or your child has lost using different tests. […] Pure tone audiometry. You’ll sit in a soundproof booth and wear headphones and a special headband. The audiologist will play different pitches of sound and ask you what you can hear. […] Speech audiometry. Also in the booth with headphones, you’ll hear different words at different volumes and repeat them to the audiologist. The test measures how softly and how clearly you can understand speech. […] Tympanometry. This is a test that is included in all evaluations to measure the middle ear space and rule out congestion or ear drum abnormalities. A small probe in each ear measures how your eardrum responds to air pushed into the ears.

• #5 Recommended Protocol for Audiological Assessment, Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Evaluation, and Follow-up – Alexander Graham Bell Association

  https://agbell.org/know-your-rights/recommended-protocol-for-audiological-assessment-hearing-aid-and-cochlear-implant-evaluation-and-follow-up/

  The audiological assessment should include: Otoscopic inspection, Child and family history, Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing using air-conducted click and tone burst stimuli and bone-conducted stimuli when indicated. […] For subsequent testing of infants and toddlers at developmental ages of 6 to 36 months, the confirmatory audiological test battery includes: Otoscopic inspection, Child and family history, Parental report of auditory and visual behaviors and communication milestones. […] Parents should leave the audiology appointment understanding the management plan. […] Identify the hearing instrument, including manufacturer, model, output and response, compression or special feature settings, earmold specifications, and quality of fit. […] Electro-acoustic analysis of hearing aids to document hearing aid performance at the following times: At initial fitting, At regular intervals (e.g., at follow-up appointments), Upon return from repairs, If parental concerns arise from behavioral observation or listening check.

• #5 CG-SURG-81 Cochlear Implants and Auditory Brainstem Implants

  https://www.anthem.com/dam/medpolicies/abc/active/guidelines/gl_pw_d083867.html

  The process often involves advanced imaging techniques such as computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the inner ear anatomy. […] A cochlear implant directly stimulates the auditory nerve, bypassing the physiologic transduction of sound into neural impulses by a poorly functioning cochlea. […] The first cochlear implants used in the 1960s had limited utility because they could only provide stimulation at a single frequency. […] Compared to earlier devices, currently marketed cochlear implants have improved electrode designs and speech processing capabilities. […] The FDA approval of the Hybrid L24 was based on a multicenter, nonrandomized, unblinded single-subject study where participants served as their own control. […] The primary safety endpoint was the number and proportion of participants experiencing an adverse event, defined as any surgical and/or device events. […] The FDA approval of the Nucleus 24 Auditory Brain Stem Implant System was based on results of a case series of 90 individuals in which 28 complications occurred in 26 individuals.

• #5 NCD – Cochlear Implantation (50.3)

  https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?ncdid=245

  Diagnosis of bilateral moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing impairment with limited benefit from appropriate hearing (or vibrotactile) aids; […] Cognitive ability to use auditory clues and a willingness to undergo an extended program of rehabilitation; […] Freedom from middle ear infection, an accessible cochlear lumen that is structurally suited to implantation, and freedom from lesions in the auditory nerve and acoustic areas of the central nervous system; […] No contraindications to surgery; and […] The device must be used in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved labeling. […] Medicare beneficiaries not meeting all of the coverage criteria for cochlear implantation listed in Section B are deemed not eligible for Medicare coverage except as described in Section D below.

• #5 Hearing technology options | Hearing aids and implants

  https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/childhood-deafness/hearing-aids-and-implants/options/

  Bone conduction devices may be an option if your child has temporary or permanent conductive deafness and doesn’t benefit from wearing a conventional hearing aid. […] Middle ear implants are surgically implanted hearing aids and are a suitable treatment option for mild to severe sensorineural, conductive and mixed hearing loss. They are used when conventional hearing aids are not an option due to medical reasons. […] Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) stimulate the auditory brainstem directly, bypassing the ear and auditory nerve, to provide a sensation of hearing. […] ABIs may be suitable for children who are profoundly deaf (as hearing aids will not be an option for this type of deafness) and who are also not suitable candidates for cochlear implants.

• #5 Cochlear Implant Surgical Procedure

  https://healthlibrary.wjmc.org/library/TestsProcedures/LabTests/135,81

  A cochlear implant is not right for everyone. To find out if an implant is right for you: You’ll need to meet with hearing and speech specialists. These may include an audiologist, otologist, and speech-language pathologist. […] Cochlear implant surgery is done in a hospital or clinic. The surgery lasts 2 to 4 hours. You are given medicine (general anesthesia) to make you sleep during the procedure. […] You will have some time to heal after the surgery before the implant process is finished. This lets the swelling go down so the implant fits correctly. About 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery, the external parts of the implant will be added. […] You will also learn how to use and care for the implant. You may need to return for several visits over a few days for adjustments. More fine-tuning may be done over several months. Learning to use a cochlear implant is a slow process. […] Get a checkup every year by an audiologist to map and reprogram the implant.

• #5 Cochlear Implants (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cochlear.html

  Children with cochlear implants begin auditory rehabilitation (listening therapy) and speech and language therapy soon after surgery. Auditory rehabilitation helps a child identify sounds and associate meanings with those sounds. Speech therapy helps them develop and understand spoken language. Expect these sessions to happen once or twice weekly for at least a year.

• #6 Cochlear Implants – American Academy of Audiology

  https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/managing-hearing-loss/cochlear-implants/

  A cochlear implant is a surgically placed device that provides a person who has sensorineural hearing loss and receives limited benefit from appropriately-fit hearing aids with the ability to hear with more clarity. […] Cochlear implants are an option when benefit from hearing aids is limited. Its very important to understand that cochlear implants are NOT a last resort. They are an option when hearing aids arent providing as much benefit as a patient needs to hear and understand adequately. […] Candidacy for a cochlear implant is determined by a team of providers and the patient and their family. […] Adults are determined to be cochlear implant candidates if the team believes that they will achieve more benefit from a cochlear implant than from a hearing aid. […] Candidates for cochlear implantation generally understand less than approximately half of words spoken at a conversational level when wearing well-fit hearing aids. […] Cochlear implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure performed by an otolaryngologist, otologist or neurotologist. […] If you use hearing aids and have significant difficulty communicating, ask your audiologist about cochlear implants.

• #6 NCD – Cochlear Implantation (50.3)

  https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?ncdid=245

  Diagnosis of bilateral moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing impairment with limited benefit from appropriate hearing (or vibrotactile) aids; […] Cognitive ability to use auditory clues and a willingness to undergo an extended program of rehabilitation; […] Freedom from middle ear infection, an accessible cochlear lumen that is structurally suited to implantation, and freedom from lesions in the auditory nerve and acoustic areas of the central nervous system; […] No contraindications to surgery; and […] The device must be used in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved labeling. […] Medicare beneficiaries not meeting all of the coverage criteria for cochlear implantation listed in Section B are deemed not eligible for Medicare coverage except as described in Section D below.

• #6 Hearing technology options | Hearing aids and implants

  https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/childhood-deafness/hearing-aids-and-implants/options/

  Bone conduction devices may be an option if your child has temporary or permanent conductive deafness and doesn’t benefit from wearing a conventional hearing aid. […] Middle ear implants are surgically implanted hearing aids and are a suitable treatment option for mild to severe sensorineural, conductive and mixed hearing loss. They are used when conventional hearing aids are not an option due to medical reasons. […] Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) stimulate the auditory brainstem directly, bypassing the ear and auditory nerve, to provide a sensation of hearing. […] ABIs may be suitable for children who are profoundly deaf (as hearing aids will not be an option for this type of deafness) and who are also not suitable candidates for cochlear implants.

• #7 NCD – Cochlear Implantation (50.3)

  https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?ncdid=245

  A cochlear implant device is an electronic instrument, part of which is implanted surgically to stimulate auditory nerve fibers, and part of which is worn or carried by the individual to capture, analyze, and code sound. Cochlear implant devices are available in single-channel and multi-channel models. The purpose of implanting the device is to provide awareness and identification of sounds and to facilitate communication for persons who are moderately to profoundly hearing impaired. […] Effective for services performed on or after September 26, 2022, cochlear implantation may be covered for treatment of bilateral pre- or post-linguistic, sensorineural, moderate-to-profound hearing loss in individuals who demonstrate limited benefit from amplification. Limited benefit from amplification is defined by test scores of less than or equal to 60% correct in the best-aided listening condition on recorded tests of open-set sentence recognition. Patients must meet all of the following criteria.

• #7 NCD – Cochlear Implantation (50.3)

  https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?ncdid=245

  Diagnosis of bilateral moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing impairment with limited benefit from appropriate hearing (or vibrotactile) aids; […] Cognitive ability to use auditory clues and a willingness to undergo an extended program of rehabilitation; […] Freedom from middle ear infection, an accessible cochlear lumen that is structurally suited to implantation, and freedom from lesions in the auditory nerve and acoustic areas of the central nervous system; […] No contraindications to surgery; and […] The device must be used in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved labeling. […] Medicare beneficiaries not meeting all of the coverage criteria for cochlear implantation listed in Section B are deemed not eligible for Medicare coverage except as described in Section D below.

• #7 Hearing technology options | Hearing aids and implants

  https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/childhood-deafness/hearing-aids-and-implants/options/

  Bone conduction devices may be an option if your child has temporary or permanent conductive deafness and doesn’t benefit from wearing a conventional hearing aid. […] Middle ear implants are surgically implanted hearing aids and are a suitable treatment option for mild to severe sensorineural, conductive and mixed hearing loss. They are used when conventional hearing aids are not an option due to medical reasons. […] Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) stimulate the auditory brainstem directly, bypassing the ear and auditory nerve, to provide a sensation of hearing. […] ABIs may be suitable for children who are profoundly deaf (as hearing aids will not be an option for this type of deafness) and who are also not suitable candidates for cochlear implants.

• #8 Cochlear Implantation

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7851969/

  The limit for CI indication today is considered to be an averaged audiological threshold of 70 dB HL, since it is generally no longer possible to achieve sufficient speech intelligibility with conventional hearing aids above this threshold. […] The preoperative diagnostic work-up helps establish the indication for cochlear implantation and verifies the feasibility of the surgical procedure, the subsequent basic and follow-up treatment, as well as aftercare, to restore hearing. […] The hearing diagnosis must confirm sensorineural hearing loss. […] Cochlear implantation is only indicated when all components are present. […] The pre-diagnostic work-up requires interdisciplinary and interprofessional coordination between the various specialist disciplines (ENT medicine, neuroradiology, phoniatrics, and pedaudiology, neuropaediatrics, anesthesiology, and speech therapy, among others), as well as a consultation with the patient and all those in their environment.

• #9 Cochlear Implantation

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7851969/

  The limit for CI indication today is considered to be an averaged audiological threshold of 70 dB HL, since it is generally no longer possible to achieve sufficient speech intelligibility with conventional hearing aids above this threshold. […] The preoperative diagnostic work-up helps establish the indication for cochlear implantation and verifies the feasibility of the surgical procedure, the subsequent basic and follow-up treatment, as well as aftercare, to restore hearing. […] The hearing diagnosis must confirm sensorineural hearing loss. […] Cochlear implantation is only indicated when all components are present. […] The pre-diagnostic work-up requires interdisciplinary and interprofessional coordination between the various specialist disciplines (ENT medicine, neuroradiology, phoniatrics, and pedaudiology, neuropaediatrics, anesthesiology, and speech therapy, among others), as well as a consultation with the patient and all those in their environment.

Zobacz więcej