{"id":6185,"date":"2024-07-05T21:39:01","date_gmt":"2024-07-05T21:39:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sfaudiology.com\/?p=6185"},"modified":"2024-07-05T21:39:12","modified_gmt":"2024-07-05T21:39:12","slug":"understanding-hearing-aids-and-cochlear-implants-a-guide-to-hearing-loss-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sfaudiology.com\/understanding-hearing-aids-and-cochlear-implants-a-guide-to-hearing-loss-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants: A Guide to Hearing Loss Solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Approximately 15% of U.S. adults<\/a> report some degree of hearing loss. Among the most effective solutions for managing hearing loss are hearing aids and cochlear implants. Although both devices improve hearing clarity and ease, they function differently and are designed for varying degrees and types of hearing loss.<\/p>\n

What To Know About Cochlear Implants<\/h2>\n

\"Woman<\/p>\n

Cochlear implants use internal and external components to bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. The external component includes a microphone, sound processor and transmitter, while the internal component consists of a receiver and electrode array implanted in the cochlea\u2014the spiral cavity in the inner ear responsible for transmitting sound.<\/p>\n

Cochlear implant surgery is performed under general anesthesia and follows four basic steps:<\/p>\n

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  1. A small incision is made behind the ear<\/li>\n
  2. An electrode is guided into the cochlea<\/li>\n
  3. A processor is positioned between the muscle and bone behind the ear<\/li>\n
  4. The incision is closed, and the patient recovers as the anesthesia wears off<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Cochlear implant users generally require 4 to 6 weeks of initial programming appointments. During these sessions, an audiologist or auditory rehabilitation specialist assists the patient in learning to interpret new sounds\u2014as sound perception may differ from what the patient is used to hearing.<\/p>\n

    What To Know About Hearing Aids<\/h2>\n

    Hearing aids are sophisticated devices designed to amplify sound according to the wearer’s specific frequency needs<\/a>. They consist of several key components:<\/p>\n