Home > Services > Ear, Nose and Throat > Conditions & Treatments > Cochlear Implants

Definition

A cochlear implant is a device that transforms sound into electrical impulses, and then transmits these impulses to the inner ear. These electrical impulses stimulate the nerve associated with hearing, the cochlear nerve, to provide sound that can be perceived by the auditory centers in the brain. Changes in the pattern of stimulation allow for perception of a multitude of sounds.

The device that allows for this transmission of sound includes an external device to detect the sound (the microphone), a device to convert the sound into electrical impulses (the speech processor) and a device to transmit these electrical impulse patterns across the skin to the internal device.

There is also an internal device that accepts these patterned impulses and transmits them down to an electrode array that is housed within the cochlea, or the inner ear. The impulses then leave the electrode array to stimulate the cochlear nerve, which sends the signal to the brain, where the electrical information is perceived as sound. 

At UVA, our Cochlear Implant Team includes representatives from multiple specialties and disciplines who come together to create an exceptional environment for patient evaluation and care.

Parts

The operation to place a cochlear implant generally takes two to three hours and is often performed in an outpatient setting (without the patient being admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay).

An incision is made behind the ear where the implant is going, and bone is removed to access the cochlea. The electrode is placed into the cochlea, and a well is created in the side of the skull to house the internal receiver.  The incision is closed, and a dressing is placed on the incision site.

Reasons

Adults

If you or someone you know is 18 years of age or older and have severe to profound hearing loss in both ears, you could be an implant candidate. During the audiologic evaluation, candidates are given a series of tests to evaluate their understanding of speech while wearing hearing aids. If you have difficulty understanding speech while wearing your hearing aids, you may be considered a candidate for the implant.

Children

Children ages 12 months to 17 years with profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears could be candidates for a cochlear implant. At UVA, children are given a series of tests appropriate for their age to assess basic hearing milestones in the development of their listening skills. If a child is unable to demonstrate these skills while using hearing aids, the child may be considered a candidate for a cochlear implant.

Evaluation

Not everyone is a candidate. After these criteria are assessed, candidates are interviewed to discuss reasons for wanting a cochlear implant, and to evaluate the level of commitment by the candidate and family and/or friends. Commitment and support are essential for successful cochlear implantation.