Hearing Aids vs Cochlear Implants

Anyone experiencing hearing loss needs to take steps to minimize the effect it has on their life. Hearing aids can be an effective option for this, but cochlear implants can be recommended in certain cases.

Unless you’ve spoken to an audiologist already – which you should do when you’re experiencing hearing loss – you might not know the difference between these. The main difference is that hearing aids are removable equipment placed on or in the ear, while cochlear implants are surgically implanted.

It’s worth diving specifically into how they work and when they should be considered.

What Are Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are small, electronic devices that fit easily in or around your ear to minimize the effects of hearing loss. They’re designed to amplify the sound going into your ear. These are typically prescribed by an audiologist after a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.

You can choose between several types of hearing aids, depending on your specific situation, including:

• In the ear (ITE)
• Behind the ear (BTE)
• In the canal (ITC)

An audiologist will usually advise you about which one is the best for you, and these can be personalized to best suit your needs and comfort. That includes different colors, and some can even be matched to your skin tone to make them less visible.

Who Should Get Them

Hearing aids are primarily prescribed to people with mild-to-severe hearing loss. Most hearing aids are usually used if you’ve experienced minor hearing damage or are in the early stages of progressive hearing loss. These should mainly be considered if you’re experiencing mild-to-severe hearing loss. Anything beyond this needs another solution, which is where cochlear implants come in.

What Are Cochlear Implants?

Cochlear implants are more complicated than hearing aids and are usually implanted by an otolaryngologist. Beyond being surgically implanted, they work differently to hearing aids. Instead of boosting sound as it enters your ear, these stimulate the auditory nerve to help you hear better.

They bypass the damaged portion of your ear that causes the hearing loss in the first place. While they don’t restore hearing, they provide the sensation of better hearing. Cochlear implants contain two main parts. The external component houses the speech transmitter and processor, as well as a microphone. The internal part, which is implanted in the ear, contains a receiver and electrode to help you hear.

These components are usually held together using a strong magnet, and the sound is transmitted from the speech processor to the receiver. The sound is then converted into electrical pulses and sent to the electrodes, stimulating the auditory nerve and sending the sound to the brain.

Who Should Get Them

Cochlear implants are mainly prescribed to people experiencing severe or profound hearing loss. People with these usually don’t get the help they need from standard hearing aids. To be prescribed these, you’ll first go through a hearing test with hearing aids already in to determine whether they’re as effective as they need to be.

If not, cochlear implants will be prescribed. For younger people experiencing hearing loss, an additional speech recognition test may be used. Before these are implanted, candidates must go through an audiological and psychological evaluation, as well as imaging studies and a medical exam.

You’ll usually be advised about the limitations of the devices, as well as how it’s expected to perform once implanted. The internal component is usually implanted between four and six weeks before the external component is added to allow for post-surgery healing.

It’ll then be activated and programmed specifically for your needs, and you should then notice an improvement in hearing quality. Cochlear implants are only recommended if your hearing loss is severe, but they can also be prescribed if you have progressive hearing loss.

In these cases, it’s seen as a preventative measure to ensure your hearing loss doesn’t impact your life as much as it otherwise could. If you’re experiencing hearing loss, it’s best to speak to an audiologist. You’ll have multiple ways to minimize how the condition impacts your life, with cochlear implants or hearing aids being viable options.

Living with hearing loss doesn’t need to be complicated. Get in touch with Hinderliter Hearing Services at 248-430-8425 to book an appointment. We’ll be delighted to help you with your hearing loss. Our team of expert audiologists will determine the extent of your hearing loss and advise you on the best path forward. What’s stopping you from improving your quality of life?