$Unique_ID{BRK02404}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Are There Implants For The Hearing Impaired?}
$Subject{ear implant hearing impaired implants otology neurotology ears nerves
cochlear losses aids implanted sense senses hear impairment auditory
implanting }
$Volume{F-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are There Implants For The Hearing Impaired?


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QUESTION:  Though I read your column often I have never seen the following
question answered.  Is there an ear implant available for the hearing
impaired?  There have been eye implants available for a number of years for
the sight impaired.  If there are hearing implants how do I find them?

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ANSWER:  Actually there are no eye implants available for the sight impaired,
merely plastic lenses to replace the patient's natural lens removed because of
cataracts.  We are a long way from devising an actual eye to replace the one
we were born with.
     As to ear implants, I consulted with Dr. Kenneth Brooks, of New York
City, a specialist in otology and neurotology (the ears and their nerves).
Here is a portion of his reply.
     "Yes, the cochlear implant is available for treatment of very severe
hearing losses.  Before receiving such a device, there must be a thorough
hearing evaluation.  This will include an attempt at using conventional
powerful hearing aids, if they have not been tried before.  Then medical,
anatomical and surgical considerations are evaluated.  The device is
surgically implanted under the skin behind the ear, with a wire extending into
the inner ear near the nerve of hearing.  The sound received from a microphone
at ear level is directed through a wire to a cigarette box sized processing
unit usually placed in a pocket or a bra.  The sound is processed into
electrical impulses and directed through another wire to the implanted device.
The processor and implanted device change sound into electrical impulses that
stimulate the hearing nerve.  The processor can be programmed to stimulate
different parts of the hearing nerve.  The nerve then carries these impulses
in to the brain centers involved in understanding words.  Depending upon the
information, words may be clearly understood, or not well understood without
looking at the source of the words and using lip reading.  People with
profound hearing losses that cannot be helped by the most powerful hearing
aids currently use this device.  If your hearing loss is mild, or can be
helped with a hearing air, or you can still hear on the telephone, you are not
a candidate for an implant.
     "There are cochlear implant centers throughout the country, to find the
one in your area, you may inquire at your local ear doctor's office, or
contact the hearing and speech center in any university hospitals near by."

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.