Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cochlear implant and how does it work?

Many people have severe or profound hearing losses because they have damage to the inner ear, or cochlea. However, most people have nerve fibers remaining which, when stimulated electronically, may be capable of sending a signal from the ear to the brain. The cochlear implant is designed to stimulate remaining nerve fibers. It consists of a number of electrodes placed in the inner ear and a stimulator placed on the bone behind the ear. An external receiver and processor are worn like a hearing aid.

What am I likely to hear with a cochlear implant?

Patients who have a cochlear implant report that they can hear many important sounds such as doorbells or telephones ringing, car horns and background beats of music. They can monitor the loudness of their own voices and can hear speech information that helps them lip read speech more easily. Many people can use the telephone to ask simple questions and some people can carry on conversations over the telephone and understand some words without lip reading.

An individual using a cochlear implant may not hear sound in the same way as persons with normal hearing. In addition, not all individuals receive equal benefit from cochlear implants.

For a simulation of what 1 through 8 channel cochlear implants might sound like click here.

If I have a severe or profound hearing loss, am I automatically a good candidate for a cochlear implant?

To be a good candidate, a person must meet the "Patient Selection Criteria" listed below. Several preliminary evaluations are preformed to determine candidacy:

• Completion of a questionnaire about hearing and hearing aid use.
• A letter stating the reasons why the patient would like to obtain a cochlear implant.
• A preliminary medical examination by the patient's physician to determine general state of health.
• Hearing and speech tests to determine the patient's current hearing and ability to communicate.

How is the cochlear implant placed in the ear?

The surgical procedure for a cochlear implant involves admission to the hospital. The surgery takes a few hours and involves a general anesthesia. A small tube containing the electrodes is placed in the inner ear and a case containing the stimulator is placed in the bone behind the ear.

Are there any risks involved?

Since implanting the cochlear device requires surgery under general anesthesia, there are risks associated with such procedures. Though it is very rare, it is also possible that the cochlear implant, like a heart pacemaker, may fail which could necessitate surgery to replace the device.

Are there alternatives to a cochlear implant?

Some severely hearing-impaired individuals find that state-of-the-art, high output hearing aids are beneficial. Vibrotactile devices may also assist in communication by lip reading.

How much will a cochlear implant cost?

Several pre-implant evaluations are necessary including a medical examination, a CT scan, and hearing testing. Speech-language, educational, and psychological testing may be required, depending on the age and needs of the patient. In many cases, medical insurance will cover some or all of these costs. The costs of the cochlear implant device, implant surgery, hospitalization, medical follow-up, and training are also covered, at least in part, by many insurance carriers. Other sources of third party support may be available to qualified individuals.

What happens after the implant surgery?

About four weeks are necessary for healing after the surgery. After this period the external device is programmed and patients receive training in how to use the implant. The training program has several goals: to fine-tune the function of the processor to the patient's particular needs, to teach the patient to use the unique signals from the implant, to improve a patient's communication skills, and to provide additional support for the patient and his/her family. Follow-up evaluations are performed as needed to maximize benefit from the cochlear implant.

What experience does the LSU-EENT Cochlear Implant Team have?

The LSU-EENT Cochlear Implant Program is a collaborative program between the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Institute of Memorial Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. This Program has implanted children and adults since 1984, was one of the first multi-channel implant centers in the United States, and is involved in numerous clinical and research studies related to cochlear implants. The members of the LSU-EENT Cochlear Implant Team bring experience and expertise to the evaluation, implantation and follow-up of patients.