Hearing Aid vs Cochlear Implant: Major Differences

Hearing aids and cochlear implants cater to different degrees of hearing problems. They have varied functions for different hearing health needs. In this article, we will understand the distinction between the two and determine which hearing device is right for you.

Hearing Aid vs Cochlear Implant: What’s the Difference

The percentage of developing severe hearing impairments increases with age, calling for alternative solutions to treat hearing loss. In Canada, hearing aids and cochlear implants are the most used assistive devices (30%) for people with hearing disabilities. They help sufferers communicate better and understand speech.

It’s easy to physically distinguish one from another, but a major difference to note is that cochlear implants require surgery while hearing aids don’t. Dive in below for a more detailed comparison of cochlear implants vs hearing aids.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids amplify sounds for people with residual hearing and mild to severe hearing loss. It captures sound waves through a microphone, sends them to a speech processor, and then delivers amplified sound to the ear canal. The type and extent of hearing loss here is conductive, meaning it stems from the outer or middle ear.

Wearing hearing aids is non-invasive and can be easily adjusted to fit precisely. They come in various types for different needs, including:

• Behind-the-Ear (BTE): This is the most common type, fitting over the ear with a tube connecting to a custom earmold.

• In-the-Ear (ITE): Custom-made to fit entirely within the outer ear.

• Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE): Similar to BTE but with a smaller receiver placed in the ear canal.

• In-the-Canal (ITC): Smaller than ITE, fitting deeper into the ear canal.

• Completely-in-Canal (CIC): The smallest type, fitting entirely within the ear canal.

There is little to no risk when using hearing aids and they have no age limit. The general timeline to getting used to them is approximately 14 days or less.

Cochlear Implants

On the other hand, a cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device that bypasses the ear’s damaged parts to stimulate the auditory nerve. This is particularly beneficial for patients with severe to profound hearing loss who derive little to no benefit from hearing aids. The extent and type of hearing loss should be sensorineural or stemming from the inner ear.

Cochlear implants do not restore normal hearing but provide a sense of sound by converting it into electrical signals that the brain interprets. This “electrical stimulation” allows you to hear speech differently.

Cochlear implant surgery usually poses low to moderate risk due to the nature of the procedure. You should be able to adapt to the device fully in six months to one year.

How Do Cochlear Implants Work?

Cochlear implants have two main components:

• External sound processor

• Internal component (surgically implanted in the inner ear)

The external sound processor captures sound and converts it into electrical signals. It then transmits signals to the internal component, containing a receiver-stimulator and an electrode array. The electrode array, resembling a tiny bundle of wires, is inserted into the cochlea, the spiral-shaped part of the inner ear. It stimulates the auditory nerve, sending electrical signals to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.

Who Benefits from Cochlear Implants?

Approved cochlear implants are typical for those with profound hearing loss. A patient must have 50% or less speech perception during a Toronto hearing test to be considered in need of one. The procedure for cochlear implants requires surgery under general anesthesia with no upper age limit. Even babies can get early implantation, significantly improving the child’s speech, language skills, and overall development.

Adults who have experienced gradual profound hearing loss may also be candidates for cochlear implants if they find hearing aids insufficient. However, it’s essential to note that cochlear implants are not a cure for deafness and do not restore natural hearing.

How Do You Get a Cochlear Implant?

The process of obtaining a cochlear implant device involves several steps. It begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a team consist of audiologist and ear nose and throat doctors to determine if you are a suitable candidate. If approved, you will undergo cochlear implant surgery to implant the internal component. This surgical procedure typically requires general anesthesia and takes several hours.

Following surgery, a period of healing and adjustment is necessary. Speech therapy and auditory training can be helpful for patients to learn how to interpret the sounds produced by the cochlear implant. This process may take 6 to 12+ months, but the benefits of improved hearing and communication can be life-changing.

What Are the Risks?

Cochlear implantation has a high success rate, but potential risks associated with the surgery can include infection, bleeding, dizziness, and facial nerve paralysis. Discuss these risks with your surgeon before proceeding with the implant.

How Many People Get Cochlear Implants?

Doctors have conducted more than 730,000 cochlear implantations globally as of 2019 and the number has steadily increased over the years. While exact statistics vary by country, hundreds of thousands worldwide have benefited from this technology, specifically those with severe hearing loss.

How Many People Get Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are far more common than cochlear implants. Millions of people worldwide rely on hearing aids to manage their hearing loss. Toronto hearing aids are generally more accessible and affordable than cochlear implants, making them popular for individuals with milder hearing impairment.

Factors like earwax buildup can interfere with the optimal performance of a hearing aid. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for ensuring effective hearing aid function. This includes cleaning the device regularly, using wax guards, and seeing your audiologist for professional check-ups. Visit here to learn more.

How to Decide

Choosing between a hearing aid and a cochlear implant is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with an audiologist. Factors to consider include the severity of hearing loss, the impact of hearing loss on daily life, and personal preferences.

Note that a hearing aid cannot be used in the implanted ear. Because a cochlear implant replaces the function of the damaged parts of the ear, there’s no need for a hearing aid in that ear.

If you have a cochlear implant in one ear and hearing loss in the other, you might benefit from using a hearing aid in the non-implanted ear. This combination of both hearing aids and a cochlear implant is often referred to as bimodal hearing.

Talk to Your Audiologist

If you are experiencing hearing loss, the first step is a professional consultation. Bloor Hearing Clinic audiologists in Toronto can conduct comprehensive hearing tests, assess your specific needs, and recommend the most appropriate hearing solutions. They can provide guidance on the cochlear implant process, including eligibility criteria, surgical procedures, and post-operative care.

Since cochlear implantations provide a new source of auditory stimulation, some may experience a decreased tinnitus perception. If you’re considering a cochlear implant and suspecting tinnitus at the same time, it’s essential to discuss this with your audiologist. They can provide personalized information based on your specific situation. Click here to learn more.

Wrap Up

Living with a cochlear implant requires dedication and adjustment. While many individuals experience significant improvements in hearing and speech understanding, learn to manage your expectations. The sound quality from these devices differs from natural hearing, and it may take time to fully adapt to it. Observe regular follow-up appointments with your audiologist as much as possible to optimize the performance of these hearing devices and address any potential issues.