There’s more to solving your hearing issues than just fitting you with hearing aids. While this is the most popular method because it’s so versatile, sometimes prescription hearing aids simply won’t do.
With technology moving at lightning speeds these days, we are seeing an influx of many different methods to treat hearing loss. We are dedicated to finding out all the details of each treatment plan to better serve you and everyone here in Eastern Tennessee.
Cochlear and bone conduction implants have been around for many decades. However, these are not the same implants that were first introduced back in the ‘70s.
With much more sophistication and style, we are able to help a wider range of hearing issues with either cochlear or bone conduction. If you’ve never heard of either, don’t worry, there is an easy explanation for both so you will know if one of them is right for you.
What Are Cochlear and Bone Conduction Implants?
Both methods require a short surgical procedure that places a small receiver just under the skin behind your ear. This connects directly to your cochlea and bypasses the auditory system altogether.
This is an alternative to hearing aids because it accesses a different part of your listening functions. Like hearing aids, neither of these solutions will cure hearing loss, but they do provide exceptional relief in most cases.
How Does the Implantation Procedure Work?
This short procedure is usually completed within a day; no overnight stay is required. It’s performed with general anaesthesia to implant the internal receiver. Once this is done, there should be no more surgery of any kind needed.
If upgrades need to be made, they are made to the external component and not to the internal receiver. As your hearing changes, customized settings can easily be changed to accommodate any new issues that may arise.
Who Will Benefit Most?
We are lucky to have so many tools at our disposal to combat the effects that hearing loss can have. We continue to learn more and more about this affliction each day and, because of that, our most intelligent minds are always coming up with new solutions.
The degree of your hearing loss is the first metric we look at when searching for the best treatment plan.
- Those who have mild-moderate hearing loss will benefit from hearing aids.
- Those who have moderate or severe hearing loss will benefit from bone conduction implants.
- Those with severe hearing loss will most likely need cochlear implants.
To properly determine the status of your hearing loss, we first must perform a comprehensive hearing assessment. This short, but detailed test will reveal everything we need to know about how you hear and how to improve it in the long run.
Implants vs. Prescription Hearing Aids
Many times, we are asked why someone would elect to have minor surgery instead of just getting prescription hearing aids. To this, we answer that, sometimes, hearing aids will not provide the best results.
Implants of any kind are meant for hearing loss that hearing aids cannot address.
Implants also take longer to get used to. Once you have been properly fitted you will not notice a significant difference in your hearing right away. We must make minor adjustments over a few months to ensure proper acclimation.
How to Get More Information on Cochlear and Bone Conduction Implants
If you or a loved one has not had success with your hearing aid or have yet to try any solutions for your hearing loss issue, we encourage you to get in contact with us.
Once you decide to seek help, we will administer a comprehensive hearing assessment. With these results, we can determine the best course of action for you.
If you would like to discuss your personal situation first, we are always available for a no-obligation phone call. You can speak with one of our professional audiologists to answer all your questions.
We are here to help you every step of the way, so don’t wait one second longer to get better hearing today.