Cochlear implants allow deaf people to receive and process sounds and speech. However, these devices do not restore normal hearing. They are tools that allow sound and speech to be processed and sent to the brain. Anyone who can hear well enough with hearing aids is not a good candidate for cochlear implants.

What do you hear with a cochlear implant?

Hearing through a cochlear implant is different from normal hearing and takes time to learn or relearn. However, it allows many people to recognize warning signals, understand other sounds in the environment, and understand speech in person or over the telephone.

Do cochlear implants provide normal hearing?

Cochlear implants dont restore normal hearing, says Nandkumar. But depending on the individual, they can help the wearer recognize words and better understand speech, including when using a telephone.

How long does it take to hear with a cochlear implant?

The journey from silence to sound begins when the implant processor is activated four to six weeks after surgery. Hearing sound through a cochlear implant during those first months is often unstable as thresholds change and unpredictable as the quality of sounds change.

Whats it like to hear with a cochlear implant?

Some common descriptions right after the implant is turned on include: “cartoon like” voices, “robotic” voices, beeping sounds for voices, echoic sounds, buzzing and ringing sounds to name a few.

Do deaf have a voice in their head?

If theyve ever heard their voice, deaf people may have a “speaking” internal monologue, but its also possible that this internal monologue may be present without a “voice.” When asked, most deaf people report that they dont hear a voice at all. Instead, they see the words in their head through sign language.

Are cochlear implants painful?

Most people feel some pain from the incision for a few days, and perhaps a headache. The swelling around the incision may last about a month. You may also feel a popping or clicking sensation in your ear, or you may feel dizzy.

Do cochlear implants last a lifetime?

The cochlear implant is a lifelong commitment. You will be set up for three to four programming appointments starting approximately one month after surgery.

What does it mean when a child fails a hearing test?

Sometimes babies fail the hearing test because of blockages or fluid in the ear. These problems can usually be easily remedied. Its important to retest your child within about 3 months. This will tell you whether your child has real hearing loss or if your child had a temporary problem which has gone away.