Cochlear Implant is Used to Help Children Hear Better
The implant is a wire which is placed behind the inner ear and helps the cochlea to make more noise. It is usually made from silicone but some are made from gel. Children will need to wear the implant for about six months before it is likely to need changing.
6 Important things are defined about cochlear implant devices.
- Types of Cochlear Devices
- Hearing Test
- Auditory Experience
- Find out About Pricing
- Explain the Procedure
- Educate YourSelf About Complications
1. Types of Cochlear Devices
There are various different types of Cochlear Implant devices. One type is suitable for your child. This is called an Adaptive-Cochlear Implant (ACI). To be placed, your child will need to go into surgery. After surgery, your child should stay in the hospital for a few days before going home.
Another type of cochlear device is made to fit over the whole head. This is called a Supra-oral cochlear implant. In this case, a piece of the skull that has hair grows in over the front part of the head. This creates a very soft, vibration-free signal that reaches the cochlea. This type of implant may cause tingling or numbness in your child.
2. Hearing Test
There is a hearing test that can be done in order to determine the appropriate device for your child. Your child’s doctor will likely want your child to have this hearing test as well. During the exam, you will probably notice an audiologist on the screen talking to you. He or she may ask you questions to help them determine which device is best for your child.
The results of your hearing test will indicate if you or your child would benefit from a cochlear implant. If so, then your doctor will recommend that you and your child get together and talk about the procedure. You will discuss the pros and cons of getting a cochlear implant. You will also discuss how the cochlea will be surgically attached to the back of the skull.
3. Auditory Experience
Your audiologist may suggest that you and your child both go for tinnitus treatment. This can be a good thing or a bad thing for you and your child. It all depends on the auditory experience you have been having. For some children, a cochlea may prove to be a welcome addition to their lives. For others, however, they may have experienced horrible experiences with their previous hearing aid.
4. Find out About Pricing
After the hearing test has been performed and you have decided on cochlear implants for your child. You need to take the next step and find out about pricing and where you can get implants. You can search online for a clinic near you that specializes in this procedure. Or, you can ask your primary care doctor if they have any locations that offer these services. Your pediatrician may even be able to hook you up with a good specialist that he or she knows. Don’t forget to bring along the necessary paperwork, which should include the prescriptions for your child, as some clinics require them.
5. Explain the Procedure
Before you get your cochlear implants, make sure you explain the procedure to your child. Let him know that the new device is going to put a new filter inside his ear. This filter absorbs sounds and only allows sounds to pass through. If you don’t explain this thoroughly to your child. He might end up being confused about why exactly he is hearing voices. When he normally just sees flashing lights or his head moving around as he walks.
It’s important that you understand the cochlear implants process, from the insertion of the device to the removal. Your child will have to make several visits to his doctor so he or she can remove the cochlear if he ever needs to. During the first visit. The doctor will place the device and make a very precise incision that will fit perfectly against the cochlea. The second visit will include the removal of the cochlear.
6. Educate YourSelf About Complications
It’s important that you educate yourself about the complications associated with cochlear implants. Some children have problems sleeping at night because they are woken up so often. They might also complain of nausea and dizziness during the day. Other complications include infection, which can result from an improper procedure, and excessive wax building up in the ear canal.
The best way to avoid all these complications is to make an appointment with your child’s primary care physician. He or she will be able to examine your child’s ears and help him or her decides on the best course of cochlear implants for him or her. Do not attempt to make your own decisions about this issue without first consulting your child’s doctor. You should always trust them. If you have any doubts. Don’t hesitate to ask your child’s doctor about it. Chances are, he or she will be happy to answer all of your questions.
