Cochlear implantation is considered the most effective method of restoring sound perception. It helps even completely deaf people to restore hearing. Such an implant is an electronic device designed for people of different ages. It is used in the event that the use of conventional hearing aids does not give the opportunity to get the desired result.
Cochlear implant
This term means a unique high-tech device of a new generation, which is designed specifically for patients with severe hearing loss or complete loss of hearing. With the help of this device it is possible to obtain an extended sound perception and the possibility of speech recognition, when the use of conventional devices does not yield results.
The absence of the effect of hearing aids is not due to the fact that they do not amplify the sound very well. They do not give results in the defeat or complete death of hair cells in the hearing organ. Because of this, the amplified sounds can not normally be perceived and enter the brain.
In the photo, the principle of operation of the cochlear implant
Indications
The main indications for such an intervention include the following:
- Two-sided sensorineural hearing loss. The average threshold of perception is more than 95 dB.
- No result from the use of hearing aids.
- Absence of cognitive and psychological disorders.
- Absence of serious somatic pathologies.
- Readiness for a long period of rehabilitation.
There are certain factors that influence the effectiveness of cochlear implantation. Usually, this operation is performed for patients who have a severe degree of sensorineural hearing loss in the background of a functioning auditory nerve.
Patients who have moderate sensorineural hearing loss usually do not perform this procedure. This is due to the fact that after performing the intervention, sound can not enter the inner ear in the normal way .
In order for the implant to function normally, it is important to preserve the structure of the hairs of the auditory nerve. When they are destroyed, there is no reaction to the electrical impulses of the device, and therefore it will not be able to function. In addition, cochlear implantation can be used to treat auditory neuropathy.
Types of
There are quite a few cochlear devices that differ significantly in appearance and technical properties.
Depending on the wearing options, they can be standard, compact, rechargeable. Also, there are different types of devices, depending on the intelligibility of speech, the performance of the device against the background of noise, the depth of entry into the cochlea.
How to choose a good device
To find a good tool, you need to contact a specialist. Only the doctor will be able to give adequate advice.
Recommendations
There are several types of cochlear devices. However, the choice of a particular device depends on the patient's examination data. Therefore, only a doctor can do it. A person without special education will not be able to make an adequate and correct choice.
Rating of manufacturers
Today, several companies specialize in the creation of such devices. These include the following:
- MXM( Neurelec)( Nurelek) - France;
- Cohlear( Kohler) - Australia;
- Nurotron( Nurotone) - China;
- Med'El( Medell) - Austria;
- Advanced Bionics( Bionix, Bionics) - USA;
- iEnjoy Sound( Anguy) - South Korea.
In Russia, the corresponding certificates are available from manufacturers of Advanced Bionics, Med`El, Cochlear, MXM( Neurelec).All listed companies have approximately the same level of technological development.
However, in the prevalence of the leading position is Cochlear. About 70% of cochlear implants of this particular brand are installed by people. The second position is occupied by Med'El. At the same time, Advanced Bionics leads the US.
The Azimuth, Euromax, and Opus implants were not bad.
In any case, the feedback of people with such implants suggests that they provide approximately the same sound quality, although the cost is quite different. When choosing, you should consider your financial situation, the ability to use spare parts and the availability of a customizer.
Comparison table for implants from different manufacturers
Preparing before operation
In order for the operation to be successful, it needs to be well prepared. For this it is recommended to go through the following stages:
- Otorhinologic examination - the doctor examines the outer and middle ear to reveal infectious processes or building anomalies.
- Audiometry - thanks to its carrying out it is possible to check up hearing and to understand, how well the patient hears without the device.
- Magnetic resonance or computed tomography - with the help of these procedures it is possible to evaluate the structure of the inner ear.
- Analysis of anamnesis and examination - allow to assess the safety of general anesthesia.
- Psychological evaluation - allows you to determine whether a person will be satisfied with the results of such an intervention.
To avoid negative consequences, one week prior to the operation, you will need to abandon such medications:
- aspirin and other anti-inflammatory substances;
- preparations for the dilution of blood - warfarin and clopidogrel.
Procedure for conducting
General anesthesia is required for the procedure. Surgical intervention has two components:
- Implantation of the receiver. To do this, the doctor performs a cut behind the ear, and then makes a hole in the bone to get into the cochlea. An electrode is passed through it, which transmits sound to the auditory nerve. The receiver is placed on the bone behind the ear and an electrode is connected to it. Then the incision is closed with stitches.
- External connection.4-6 weeks after the healing of the operated region, the transmitter and the speech processor are connected.
Reviews of specialists about cochlear implantation in our video:
Recovery period
After completing the procedure, it is necessary to fulfill all the appointments of a specialist. The doctor will tell you when you can take a shower or expose the affected area to water.
A few weeks after the end of the procedure, the surgical sutures are healed. During this period, the doctor can adjust the system, which provides a complete restoration of hearing.
Features of rehabilitation
After the procedure is completed, you need to visit the medical institution several times. The doctor performs such actions:
- connects external devices - this is done 4-6 weeks after the procedure;
- configures the speech processor;
- assesses the state of hearing.
In addition, the patient has to undergo training to improve the effectiveness of the implant. Thanks to this, it will be possible:
- to more accurately determine sounds;
- to expand speech skills;
- read on the lips.
Life with Implant What You Need to Know
Implant does not impose any restrictions on daily activity. Doctors recommend only limiting the kinds of sports that are associated with blows to the head.
Many patients use speech processors continuously. In the beginning, there is a long process of adaptation. However, after its completion, people usually do not remove the device.
Features of adaptation after cochlear implantation in our video:
Contraindications
Restrictions on the operation include:
- inflammation of the middle ear;
- eardrum damage;
- safety of hair cells - according to the results of otoacoustic emission;
- complete obliteration of the cochlea;
- prelingual deafness - age over 6-7 years;
- postlingual deafness - duration of deafness over a period of normal hearing;
- retrochlear violation;
- contraindications to surgical intervention.
Rules of operation and repair
Any technique has a certain period of operation. Many implants after its completion are not subject to repair or replacement of spare parts.
If an item of the product breaks before the expiration of the warranty, it is replaced free of charge with a new one.
It is worth remembering that patients are strictly forbidden to repair damaged elements of the device on their own.
Advantages and disadvantages of the
This device has many advantages:
- Helps restore hearing even in difficult cases, which are accompanied by damage to the inner ear.
- Completely changes the lives of children who were born deaf. They have the opportunity to communicate with others.
- Allows you to distinguish background noises, recognize speech and read lips.
In addition, the implant is small in size, and therefore it is easy to hide under the hair. The operation in most cases gives a positive result.
Advantages of the cochlear implant
However, this procedure has a number of drawbacks:
- a long period of adaptation;
- individual device intolerance;
- is a metallic sound that prevents accurate transmission of complex combinations of sounds;
- postoperative complications - damage to the facial nerve, loss of sensitivity behind the ears, increased noise, impaired taste or balance.
Cochlear implant is considered an effective device that helps to cope with various hearing impairments. However, it is possible to carry out such intervention only on strict indications.