Cochlear Implants

Cochlear Implants

At Live Better Hearing + Balance, we’re dedicated to helping people of all ages achieve the best possible hearing outcomes. For patients whose hearing loss isn’t fully helped by hearing aids, cochlear implants offer a life-changing alternative. Our experienced team provides comprehensive cochlear implant services at multiple Maryland audiology centers—including Ellicott City, Rockville, Frederick, and White Plains—and at our Pennsylvania hearing clinics in Lansdale, Wyomissing, and Warminster.

What Is a Cochlear Implant?

A cochlear implant is a sophisticated medical device designed to help people with moderate to profound hearing loss gain better access to sound and speech. Unlike traditional hearing aids, which simply amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. This allows individuals to perceive sound signals that the brain can interpret.

A cochlear implant system consists of two main components: An external sound processor worn behind the ear or on the head, which captures and processes sound; and an internal implant that is surgically placed under the skin and into the cochlea (the hearing organ).

The external processor picks up sounds and converts them into digital signals, which are transmitted to the internal implant. The implant then delivers electrical impulses to the auditory nerve, allowing the brain to perceive sound.

How do cochlear implants work?

Cochlear implants are designed to replace the function of damaged hair cells in the inner ear. When natural hearing is impaired, these hair cells can’t effectively send sound to the auditory nerve. The cochlear implant steps in to provide this missing link. Here’s how it works:

• Sound enters the microphone on the processor
• The sound processor converts the sound into a digital signal
• The signal is sent to the internal receiver
• Tiny electrodes inside the cochlea send gentle electrical impulses directly to the auditory nerve
• The brain receives these signals and interprets them as sound

It’s important to know that a cochlear implant doesn’t “restore” normal hearing, but it can dramatically improve access to speech and environmental sounds—even in challenging situations like group conversations or noisy environments.

Who Is a Candidate for Cochlear Implants?

Cochlear implants can be an option for both adults and children with significant sensorineural hearing loss in one or both ears. You may be a candidate if you:

• Have moderate to profound hearing loss and gain limited benefit from hearing aids
• Struggle to understand speech, even with well-fit hearing aids
• Are motivated to improve your hearing and participate in follow-up care

Candidacy has broadened significantly in recent years, so even if you don’t have “complete” hearing loss, you might still qualify. Children as young as 9 months may also benefit, especially if their hearing loss limits their ability to develop language skills.

Some signs you might benefit from a cochlear implant evaluation:

• You often miss key parts of conversations
• Using the phone is difficult, even with hearing aids
• Hearing in noisy environments feels nearly impossible
• You rely heavily on lip-reading or captions

Your Cochlear Implant Journey: What to Expect

1. Evaluation

Your journey starts with a comprehensive hearing evaluation by our cochlear implant specialists. We’ll review your hearing history, assess your current hearing aids, and perform speech understanding tests. If you meet the criteria, we’ll guide you through the next steps with care and expertise.

2. Multidisciplinary Assessment

Our audiologists work closely with otolaryngologists (ENTs) and surgeons who specialize in cochlear implantation. The team may also include speech-language pathologists and other professionals to ensure you’re fully prepared for the process. You may need imaging tests (like a CT or MRI) to check the inner ear structure.

3. Surgery

Cochlear implant surgery is typically a safe, outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. It usually takes 1–2 hours per ear. Most people return home the same day and are back to normal activities within a week or two.

4. Activation & Programming

About 2–4 weeks after surgery, you’ll return to our office for “activation day”—when the implant is turned on and programmed for your specific hearing needs. You may notice beeps or robotic sounds at first, but with time and practice, your brain learns to recognize speech and everyday sounds.

5. Ongoing Rehabilitation & Support

Adapting to a cochlear implant is a process. You’ll visit our clinic for regular programming (also known as “mapping”) and auditory training to optimize your results. Our team provides ongoing support, education, and troubleshooting to ensure long-term success.

Benefits and Limitations

Cochlear implants have helped countless people:

• Understand speech more clearly, even in group settings or noisy places
• Re-engage in social and professional life
• Stay aware of environmental sounds for safety and confidence
• Reduce isolation and improve quality of life

While results vary, most people see dramatic improvements compared to hearing aids alone. It’s important to set realistic expectations: the sound quality is different from normal hearing, and adjustment takes time and practice. Consistent follow-up is key.

Risks and Considerations

Cochlear implant surgery is considered very safe, but as with any surgery, there are potential risks such as infection, dizziness, or device failure. Our team will review all risks and answer your questions. Cochlear implants are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, but coverage details vary by plan.

Pediatric vs. Adult Cochlear Implantation

For children, cochlear implants can be life-changing—helping them develop language, social, and academic skills. Our pediatric care team works closely with families, educators, and therapists to ensure the best outcomes. Adults benefit from personalized rehabilitation and goal-setting to maximize hearing and communication in daily life.

Our Multidisciplinary Approach

At Live Better Hearing + Balance, you’ll be cared for by a dedicated team of audiologists, surgeons, and support professionals. We coordinate every aspect of your cochlear implant journey—from candidacy evaluation through lifelong follow-up care—at our Maryland and Pennsylvania clinics. Our team is committed to clear communication, compassionate support, and ongoing education.

Why Choose Live Better Hearing + Balance?

At Live Better Hearing + Balance, you benefit from the expertise of a team with decades of experience and advanced training in cochlear implant care. Our approach is comprehensive and truly team-based, guiding you seamlessly from your first evaluation through surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing follow-up. With convenient locations throughout Maryland—including Ellicott City, Rockville, Frederick, and White Plains—and Pennsylvania clinics in Lansdale, Wyomissing, and Warminster, high-quality care is never far from home. Most importantly, we’re committed to ongoing support and clear communication at every stage, so you always have someone to turn to throughout your hearing journey.

Schedule Your Cochlear Implant Consultation

Ready to find out if a cochlear implant can help you or your loved one? Book an evaluation at one of our specialized clinics today. We’ll help you verify insurance and answer any questions about the process.

Contact us to get started on your hearing journey with Cochlear Implants.

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