Cochlear Implants   The implants consists of an external portion that sits behind the ear and a portion that is surgically placed within the cochlea. An implant has the following parts: An exterior microphone that picks up environmental sound. A speech processor, which selects and arranges sounds picked up by the microphone. A transmitter and receiver/stimulator that receive signals from the speech processor and convert them into electric impulses. An electrode array, which is a group of electrodes that collects the impulses from the stimulator and sends them to different regions of the auditory nerve. Who Gets Cochlear Implants? Children and adults who are deaf or severely hard-of-hearing can be fitted for cochlear implants. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at the end of 2006, more than 112,000 people worldwide had received implants. In the United States, roughly 23,000 adults and 15,500 children have received them.   The FDA determines the criteria for candidacy:   Adults Severe-to-profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss 50% sentence recognition in ear to be implanted (aided results) 60% in opposite ear and binaurally (aided) Patient must be highly motivated and have appropriate expectations      Medicare Criteria 40% sentence recognition in the ear to be implanted (aided) 40-60% if in a clinical trial Children (25 months - 17 years) Severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears Up to 30% score on MLNT/LNT No progress in auditory skill development with hearing aids and intervention Infants (12-24 months) Profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears No progress in auditory skill development with hearing aids and intervention High motivation and appropriate expectations from family Working within FDA guidelines, we help to determine cochlear implant candidacy.   What Are the Benefits? Adults who have lost all or most of their hearing later in life often can benefit from cochlear implants. They learn to associate the signal provided by an implant with sounds they remember. Cochlear implants, coupled with intensive post implantation therapy, can help young children to acquire speech, language, and social skills. Most children who receive implants are between two and six years old. Early implantation provides exposure to sounds that can be helpful during the critical period when children learn speech and language skills.   What Is The Implantation Process? Working in concert with an otological surgeon, we perform extensive audiological testing to determine whether you are a suitable candidate. This evaluation usually includes extensive audiological testing, psychological testing, counseling to ensure suitability and motivation, as well as examinations and tests performed by the surgeon, such as X-rays, MRIs, and physical examinations. It is important that you understand what the implant can and can't do as well as the commitment required for care and follow-up services.   Once the decision is made to go ahead, the surgery is done. Sometimes it involves an overnight stay in the hospital, and sometimes it is done on an out-patient basis.   About 4-6 weeks after surgery, you will return to the Desert Sounds to be fit with the microphone and speech processor and to activate and program the implant - this is known as "mapping". The initial fitting process is done over several days and may include additional visits over several months. As each electrode in the cochlea is activated, it must be adjusted and programmed into the speech processor. As you, or your child, develops skill in using the implant, further adjustments and reprogramming are required. After these initial appointments, you'll have annual visits to Desert Sounds for checkups.   Both children and adults receive extensive rehabilitation services from audiologists, speech-language pathologists, teachers, and counselors as they learn to listen, improve speech, use speech-reading, and handle communication. We teach how to use the implant and how to respond to the sounds you are receiving. For those who have heard before, sounds through the cochlear implant may seem unnatural at first. Those who have never heard need to be taught to recognize the sounds they hear.   ...life never sounded so good!™