Hearing implants
What are hearing implants?
Hearing implants systems are advanced hearing solutions typically implanted through surgery. One part of the system is implanted (the implant or internal part) and the other part is an externally placed sound processor/audio processor that sits on the head.
Hearing implants are used when you have a hearing loss and would not benefit from the sound amplification of hearing aids. Hearing implants may also be used by people with specific types of hearing loss, such as sensorineural, conductive or mixed hearing loss, as well as people with a damaged or non-existent auditory nerve or those who for some other reason are unable to wear hearing aids.
Types of hearing implants
The common types of hearing implants are:
- Cochlear implants (CI)
- Bone conduction devices
- Middle ear implants (MEI)
- Auditory brain stem implants (ABI)
Who can benefit from hearing implants?
Both adults and children with severe hearing problems or specific types of hearing loss can benefit from the use of hearing implants. Typically, children receive cochlear implants from around 12 months or under special circumstances earlier. For adults, there are no upper age-limit for an implantation, although some preliminary evaluations may be needed for the elderly.
Find out more
Read more in this section about hearing implants, the different types of hearing implants and how to learn to hear and live with hearing implants.
Articles:
Types of hearing implants
Adults and hearing implants
Children and hearing implants
How is a cochlear implantation carried out?
Features and accessories for hearing implants
Follow-ups, maintenance and upgrades
Implants are cost-efficient and improve quality of life