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Deafness is a severe hearing impairment that makes it difficult to process linguistic information through hearing, even with amplification.

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Overview

Over 5% of the world's population - or 430 million people - require rehabilitation to address their disabling hearing loss (432 million adults and 34 million children). It is estimated that by 2050 over 700 million people - or 1 in every 10 people - will have disabling hearing loss.

'Disabling' hearing loss refers to hearing loss greater than 35 decibels (dB) in the better hearing ear. Nearly 80% of people with disabling hearing loss live in low- and middle-income countries. The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age, among those older than 60 years, over 25% are affected by disabling hearing loss.

Hearing loss and deafness

A person who is not able to hear as well as someone with normal hearing - hearing thresholds of 20 dB or better in both ears - is said to have hearing loss. Hearing loss may be mild, moderate, severe, or profound. It can affect one ear or both ears and leads to difficulty in hearing conversational speech or loud sounds.

'Hard of hearing' refers to people with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe. People who are hard of hearing usually communicate through spoken language and can benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive devices as well as captioning.

'Deaf' people mostly have profound hearing loss, which implies very little or no hearing. They often use sign language for communication.

Causes of hearing loss and deafness

Although these factors can be encountered at different periods across the life span, individuals are most susceptible to their effects during critical periods in life.

Prenatal period

genetic factors including hereditary and non-hereditary hearing loss

intrauterine infections - such as rubella and cytomegalovirus infection.

Perinatal period

birth asphyxia (a lack of oxygen at the time of birth

hyperbilirubinemia (severe jaundice in the neonatal period)

low-birth weight

other perinatal morbidities and their management.

Childhood and adolescence

chronic ear infections (chronic suppurative otitis media)

collection of fluid in the ear (chronic nonsuppurativeotitis media)

meningitis and other infections.

Adulthood and older age

chronic diseases

smoking

otosclerosis

age-related sensorineural degeneration

sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Factors across the life span

cerumen impaction (impacted ear wax)

trauma to the ear or head

loud noise/loud sounds

ototoxic medicines

work related ototoxic chemicals

nutritional deficiencies

viral infections and other ear conditions

delayed onset or progressive genetic hearing loss.

The impact of unaddressed hearing loss

When unaddressed, hearing loss impacts many aspects of life at individual level:

communication and speech

cognition

education and employment: In developing countries, children with hearing loss and deafness often do not receive schooling. Adults with hearing loss also have a much higher unemployment rate. Among those who are employed, a higher percentage of people with hearing loss are in the lower grades of employment compared with the general workforce.

social isolation, loneliness and stigma

impact on society and economy

effects on years lived with disability (YDLs) and disability adjusted life years (DALYs).

WHO estimates that unaddressed hearing loss poses an annual global cost of US$ 980 billion. This includes health sector costs (excluding the cost of hearing devices), costs of educational support, loss of productivity, and societal costs. Of these costs, 57% are attributed to low- and middle-income countries.

Prevention

Many of the causes that lead to hearing loss can be avoided through public health strategies and clinical interventions implemented across the life course.

Prevention of hearing loss is essential throughout the life course, from prenatal and perinatal periods to older age. In children, nearly 60% of hearing loss is due to avoidable causes that can be prevented through implementation of public health measures. Likewise, most common causes of hearing loss in adults, such as exposure to loud sounds and ototoxic medicines, are preventable.

Effective strategies for reducing hearing loss at different stages of the life course include:

immunization;

good maternal and childcare practices;

genetic counselling;

identification and management of common ear conditions;

occupational hearing conservation programmes for noise and chemical exposure;

safe listening strategies for the reduction of exposure to loud sounds in recreational settings; and

rational use of medicines to prevent ototoxic hearing loss.

Identification and management

Early identification of hearing loss and ear diseases is key to effective management.

This requires systematic screening for detection of hearing loss and related ear diseases in those who are most at risk. This includes:

newborn babies and infants

pre-school and school-age children

people exposed to noise or chemicals at work

people receiving ototoxic medicines

older adults.

Hearing assessment and ear examination can be conducted in clinical and community settings. Tools such as the WHO "hearWHO" app and other technology-based solutions make it possible to screen for ear diseases and hearing loss with limited training and resources.

Once hearing loss is identified, it is essential that it is addressed as early as possible and in an appropriate manner, to mitigate any adverse impact.

Measures available to rehabilitate people with hearing loss include:

the use of hearing technologies, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants and middle ear implants;

the use of sign language and other means of sensory substitution,such as speech reading, use of print on palm or Tadoma, signed communication; and

rehabilitative therapy to enhance perceptive skills and develop communication and linguistic abilities.

The use of hearing assistive technology, and services such as frequency modulation and loop systems, alerting devices, telecommunication devices,captioning services and sign language interpretation, can further improve access to communication and education for people with hearing loss.

WHO response

WHO's work on ear and hearing care is to promote integrated people-centred ear and hearing care (IPC-EHHC).

WHO's work is guided by the recommendations of the WHO World report on hearing (2021) and the World Health Assembly resolution on prevention of deafness and hearing loss.

WHO's work includes:

guiding, assisting and supporting Member States to increase awareness on EHC issues;

facilitating data generation and dissemination of ear and hearing care related data and information;

providing technical resources and guidance to facilitate planning and health systems capacity building for ear and hearing care;

supporting heath workforce training in ear and hearing care;

promoting safe listening to reduce the risk of recreational noise-induced hearing loss through the WHO Make Listening Safe initiative;

observing and promoting World Hearing Day as an annual advocacy event;

building partnerships to develop strong hearing care programmes, including initiatives for affordable hearing aids, cochlear implants and services; and

advocating for ear and hearing care through the World Hearing Forum.

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Deafness and hearing loss fact sheet from WHO: providing key facts and information on causes, impact, prevention, identification, management and WHO response.

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If you cannot hear, or know someone who cannot hear, then this page may be helpful. It explains the symptoms and causes of deafness, gives advice on living with deafness, and offers links to some of the resources available.

What is deafness?

Deafness is the complete loss of hearing. What some people call partial deafness is now better known as being hard of hearing. For more information, see our page on hearing loss.

If you are deaf, you cannot hear well enough to hold a conversation through sound alone, although some people who are deaf hear noises in their ears like ringing, humming, hissing, whistling, clicking, roaring, whooshing or buzzing. This is known as tinnitus.

Children who have hearing problems might not respond to your voice or loud noises. They might also search for your voice, or be doing poorly at school, or seem unusually sad or angry. Read more about signs of hearing loss in children here.

What causes deafness?

Deafness is often caused by:

exposure to loud noise

some medicines and medical conditions

abnormal growth of the tiny bones in the middle ear

damage or malfunction of the cochlear in the inner ear

problems with the nerve between the cochlear and the brain

Some people are born deaf. Others become deaf over time - this is more common in people who work in noisy environments, or with machinery and loud tools, or who have been in war zones. It is also more common with age.

Living with deafness

If you have hearing problems, let friends, family members and work colleagues know, so that they can communicate better with you.

If you know someone with hearing problems, you should make sure that they can see your face when you are talking to them. Avoid trying to talk to them in noisy environments. You could also try communicating with them in writing, or with a physical demonstration.

Hearing aids can be an effective way of improving hearing for some people since they make sounds louder. They can sit behind your ear, or in your ear.

Another option is a bone conduction hearing aid. This device bypasses your outer and middle ear and uses vibrations in your skull to help you hear.

Your doctor might recommend a Cochlear implant. These devices use digital code and electrical impulses to send sounds to the inner ear (the cochlear). These sounds are then sent to your brain along your auditory nerve.

Learning sign language can also help you communicate, whether you are deaf or know someone who is deaf. Auslan Signbank has information about Auslan sign language and classes.

Unfortunately, in adults, deafness can cause problems at home and at work. It can lead to social withdrawal, isolation and depression. Deaf people may experience discrimination in education, employment and other parts of life.

In children, deafness can be associated with learning and behavioural problems. It's important to contact your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect your child has a hearing problem.

The deaf community

While many people see deafness as a problem, others see it as just another way of being. There is a strong deaf community with its own culture. Many find it offensive that deafness is seen as an abnormality, and they don't seek 'cures' or treatment for deafness.

The organisation Aussie Deaf Kids puts it this way: 'In a room full of deaf people, it is the hearing person who cannot sign who is disabled.'

If you or your child is deaf, being part of the deaf community can provide a lot of strength and support.

Getting help

Talk to your doctor if you have problems with your hearing. Your doctor might arrange a hearing test.

The Australian Government Hearing Services Program provides subsidised hearing services for eligible people.

The National Relay Service allows people with hearing loss to make free phone calls 24 hours a day. These include calls using the internet, SMS and video.

Further information

A number of organisations promote and support the view that deafness is not a problem but just another way of being. Examples include Deaf Australia and Aussie Deaf Kids.

Hearing Australia has more information on hearing loss. It also offers an online hearing assessment questionnaire, and an audio test.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby has more information on hearing loss in children and raising a deaf child.

The Raising Children Network has important information on hearing impairment in young children.

The Carer Gateway website has information on hearing impairment.

Last reviewed: January 2021

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If you cannot hear, or know someone who cannot hear, then this page may be helpful. It explains the symptoms and causes of deafness, gives advice on living with deafness, and offers links to some of the resources available. Deafness is the complete loss of hearing.

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The excitement and anticipation before the birth of a child is like no other. All of the celebration, planning, and eager wondering about what the baby will be and bring is natural during pregnancy. Will it be a boy or a girl? Will they inherit Dad's sense of humor or Mom's chin? Will they be good at music or maybe sports? For most parents, deafness isn't something they consider much in those musings.

According to the March of Dimes, up to 3 in every 1,000 babies are born with some kind of hearing loss in the United States each year. Hearing loss is a common birth abnormality, and it can range from mild hearing loss where some speech sounds are audible, to complete or profound hearing loss. A baby's hearing is typically tested as part of newborn screening at the hospital, but additional screening may follow to determine severity if there is a concern.

3 general categories of causes:
Genetics
Genetic hearing loss can be present at birth or can develop later in life. An infant can inherit hearing loss from one or both parents, as the gene can be carried even if both parents hear at "average" levels. The hearing loss may be part of another genetic syndrome, such as Down syndrome, Usher syndrome, or Treacher Collins syndrome. Gene mutations can also cause one of two different kinds of hearing loss - syndromic where the hearing loss happens along with other health problems, or non-syndromic where the hearing loss is the only condition the baby has and is more common. Congenital hearing loss is when a baby is born with hearing loss, but genetics can also cause hearing loss as infants get older as well.
Events during pregnancy
Viruses and infections can be passed to babies while in the womb. Some of the viruses and infections that can cause hearing loss include cytomegalovirus, herpes, measles, rubella, syphilis, and toxoplasmosis. Symptoms like body aches, headache, fatigue, fever, coughs, and rashes can be associated with these, so pregnant women should always reach out to their doctor with any health concerns during pregnancy.

Hearing problems can also be caused by the way the ears, head, or face develop in the womb. If the shape or structure of the baby's ears is different, it can affect their hearing. Regular checkups and ultrasounds during pregnancy can monitor the baby's development to track possible changes in development.

Premature birth and having a low birth weight can also affect a baby's hearing. In these instances, the infant's development may not be complete and hearing loss may happen at birth or even later in life.
Events after birth
Hearing loss in babies can be caused by infections, especially when they are severe. Ear infections usually only cause temporary hearing loss, but if they damage the infant's eardrum, the bones of the ear, or the auditory nerve, the hearing loss can be permanent, according to the March of Dimes. Additional infections that can affect hearing loss are meningitis and measles, as well as other conditions like head injuries, severe jaundice, very high doses of some medicines, obstructions or damage to the ear canal or eardrum, and frequently being around loud sounds.

The causes of infant hearing loss are numerous, ranging from genetics, issues during pregnancy, and issues occurring after birth. Hearing is generally checked as part of newborn screening, but some causes of hearing loss in infants don't develop until later on in life. Whatever the cause of your child's hearing loss, DePaul School for Hearing and Speech offers education and resources for parents and children as they face diagnosis and beyond.

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What causes hearing loss in infants? | Blog

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Hearing loss is a common birth abnormality, and it can range from mild hearing loss to complete or profound hearing loss.

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CDC activities help us better understand Hearing loss in Children.

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Non-biased support group that believes families can make the best choices for their child as long as they have access to good information and support.

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We are... a parent-led, professionally-collaborative organization infused with the life experiences of adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, that is dedicated to serving families with children who are D/HH without a bias around communication modes or methodology Learning your child is deaf or hard of hearing can bring on different emotions at different times.

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Empowers deaf middle and high school students through workshops and programs. Allows students to grow academically, discover new interests, participate in extracurricular activities and meet other deaf students.

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Now offering a free one-week virtual program for qualified deaf and hard-of-hearing high school to gain experience and explore their career interests in STEM fields. Learn about different STEM fields, make new friends during social night, and receive free kits with cool tech and activities.

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Offers programs and events that gives individuals the tools they need to live more successfully with hearing loss and to show them they do not have to face hearing loss alone.

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Homepage - Hearing Loss Association of America

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The Nation’s Voice for People with Hearing Loss

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Provides resources to empower families with deaf children and youth by embracing full access to language-rich environments through mentoring, advocacy and collaborative networks.

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The student will sit in the front of the class to have an unobstructed line of vision. The teacher will also provide written material to the student that was gone over in class.

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An induction loop is a learning device that provides direct access to sound sources without background noise, interference or distortion. They connect directly to a telecoil-enabled hearing device.

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The technical name for this system is Audio Frequency Induction Loop System (AFILS), but it is also known as:

Loop, T-Loop, Loop System, Hearing Loop System, Hearing Loop, Hearing Aid Loop

A hearing loop consists of a wire installed around or throughout a room, connected to a special hearing loop amplifier. An audio signal from a microphone, TV, PA system, or sound reinforcement system is sent to the amplifier, which drives a strong alternating current through the wire, creating a magnetic field. This field induces the telecoil (T-coil) in a hearing aid or cochlear implant.

To use the loop, a user switches their hearing aid or cochlear implant to the "T" position. The telecoil picks up the magnetic field fluctuations, converts them into alternating currents, which are then amplified and converted back into sound by the hearing instrument.

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Hearing Loop Systems | Complete Hearing Solutions

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The technical name for this system is Audio Frequency Induction Loop System (AFILS), but it is also known as: Loop, T-Loop, Loop System, Hearing Loop System, Hearing Loop, Hearing Aid Loop A hearing loop consists of a wire installed around or throughout a room, connected to a special hearing loop amplifier.

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A translator device is a learning device that translates words spoken into texts on the screen.

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A new type of assistance

INTRODUCTION

Real-time speech-to-text comes of age

As many amongst us suffer from reduced hearing, our mission is to help make everyday-life better for the hearing impaired, using cutting-edge technologies.

Of all the modern developments in technology, real-time speech-to-text translation is the most exciting for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
TextHear is a partnership subsidiary of Geemarc and of WellSource. As such, it has a complete set of in-house capabilities both in electronics hardware and software. This way, we can develop and deliver unique and complete solutions.
Although speech-to-text applications have been available for a number of years, most with various limitations, TextHear Personal, looks set to be the most promising and versatile.
It doesn't need to be 'trained' to a particular voice - it works straight out of the box. Furthermore the app adds automatic punctuation & spacing to aid comprehension. Processing is carried out on remotely hosted high accuracy speech-to-text engines.

The adapter works great with our TextHear app, but, you can also use it with any other Speech-to-Text app you prefer.

We very much value and protect your privacy. We don't store any of your data. We don't share it 3rd parties, other than Google, for the speech-to-text engine. We use the Android's native speech-recognizer - so Android's and your device's maker's privacy policies apply.

This app is given for your usage and enjoyment AS-IS. We do our best to develop the best apps, but, as with any software, we might have errors and furthermore, we rely on Google as our service provider, which might change its software without notice. Therefor, we cannot be responsible for any data loss, or failure in the software's performance. Furthermore, we rely on Google and Android as our speech recognition engine, so changes in their APIs might affect our app's performance. Failures might happen without notice. We encourage you to test the app before purchasing. In general, purchases are not refundable. Subscriptions can be stopped at any time.

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A new type of assistance Real-time speech-to-text comes of age As many amongst us suffer from reduced hearing, our mission is to help make everyday-life better for the hearing impaired, using cutting-edge technologies. Of all the modern developments in technology, real-time speech-to-text translation is the most exciting for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.TextHear is a partnership subsidiary of Geemarc and of WellSource.

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An interpreter allows deaf students to fully take part in classroom and extracurricular activities. The ASL interpreter facilitates communication between deaf students and their teachers, peers, and administration.

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The Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) is a nationally recognized test administered by Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. To become certified, sign language interpreters must pass a written knowledge exam as well as take a performance assessment. They are then given a score ranging from 1.0 (Beginner) to 5.0 (Advanced). Many states have set a standard for interpreters to work in the state, often 3.5 and above.

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) has developed several national certifications. These certifications are widely accepted and valued throughout the United States. The National Interpreter Certification (NIC) evaluates candidates on general knowledge of the interpreting field, ethical decision-making, and interpreting skills. RID has teamed with the EIPA to provide an educational certificate (Ed:K-12). To earn the Ed:K-12, interpreters must meet educational requirements, pass the EIPA written exam, and pass the EIPA performance assessment with a level of 4.0 or above.

Many states have their own evaluation systems to determine the qualifications of an interpreter. This assessment process helps to ensure that everyone has access to qualified interpreters when they need them.

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Sign Language Interpreters for Schools & Education Systems | AIDeaf

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Educational sign language interpreters are not only support for deaf students but play an important role in educating them.

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Lip reading is a fantastic way to have a conversation with others without needing to hear them. Learning to lip read will benefit your child greatly interacting in society.

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Lip reading allows you to "listen" to a speaker by watching the speaker's face to figure out their speech patterns, movements, gestures and expressions. Often called "a third ear," lip reading goes beyond simply reading the lips of a speaker to decipher individual words.

Learning to lip read involves developing and practicing certain skills that can make the process much easier and more effective. These include:

*Learning to use the cues provided by the movements of the speaker's mouth, teeth and tongue

*Reading and evaluating the information provided by facial expressions, body language and gestures in conjunction with the words being said

*Using vision to assist with listening

*Using prior knowledge to fill in the gaps that can occur in understanding since it is impossible to read every word said.

Interestingly, it is easier to read longer words and whole sentences than shorter words.
Interesting Facts about Lip Reading
*It is easier to lip read in a quiet environment without too many distractions.

*Some people mumble or have difficulties speaking, therefore they are practically impossible to read. However, most people are much easier to read.

*Because lip reading depends on visual cues, lip readers must have good eyesight.

*Lip readers need clear light since it is impossible to lip read in the dark.

*Lip reading is much easier when it involves the lip reader's first language. For example, an English speaker will find it much easier to lip read English than to lip read Spanish.

*Some of the shapes made by the lips when speaking look very similar, for example "th" and "f", making them harder to decipher. This is why picking up subtle facial cues is so important.

Lip reading can become second nature for many lip readers. Even as you are learning to lip read, your understanding improves since you become more aware of the other cues needed to be successful with any type of communication.
Benefits of Lip Reading
*People often describe the feeling of learning to lip read as the world opening up again since they are able to communicate better. This ability to understand what is being said helps to build confidence and develop social and communication skills. Being unable to understand what is being said can lead to a sense of frustration and isolation. Communication is part of human contact and is essential for life.

*Family members and friends of people who have difficulty hearing should learn to read lips since it provides them with an experience that allows them to be more empathetic with the challenges faced by their loved ones. It also makes them more aware of the needs of their deaf and hard of hearing relatives so that they can adjust their actions to help communication.

*Communication professionals can also benefit from learning to lip read because it can teach them the tools they need to communicate more effectively with deaf and hard of hearing persons in both professional and personal situations such as business meetings, lectures, press conferences or even parties.
Why Should You Learn to Lip Read?
Studying to lip read can mean the difference between staying connected with the world and slowly isolating yourself from it. A result of being unable to communicate is a withdrawal from many of the activities that were previously enjoyable to a person who can no longer hear as well as they used to or at all. The frustration that comes with misunderstanding or losing the thread of what is going on can lead you to slowly retire from society and become a passive observer of life instead of an active participant. It can also affect relationships and opportunities.

Learning to lip read is one way to maintain your connection to your loved ones, friends, community and the world in general. Being able to understand what your loved ones and friends are saying can prevent misunderstandings in these very important relationships. It is also an opportunity to learn how to deal with and act in social situations such as attending parties and events with bigger crowds since you will be more aware of the conditions you need to better understand the conversations around you.

Taking the first step to learn to lip read does not have to mean leaving your comfort zone. It is easy to open the door and be involved in the world by trying out a lip reading course online. This course can help you acquire the skills needed to become or remain an active participant in all the things you love to do.
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Lip reading allows you to "listen" to a speaker by watching the speaker's face to figure out their speech patterns, movements, gestures and expressions. Often called "a third ear," lip reading goes beyond simply reading the lips of a speaker to decipher individual words.

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Reading about another person who grew up deaf can be beneficial for your child. It's easy to feel alone when a disability isolates you and knowing that their are others who went through childhood deaf and came out strong is inspirational.

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I'm Mark. I'm 25 years old. I'm a gay man living in Brooklyn, and I work as an analyst for Conde Nast. I love absorbing reality TV, singing karaoke, relaxing with my fluffy corgis, and most importantly, living my life in New York City. Oh yeah, one last thing - I was born deaf.

I was diagnosed with Mondini Syndrome when I was nine months old. Mondini syndrome is a genetic syndrome where my inner ear is malformed - in this case, my cochlea spirals half the distance a normal cochlea does. To help this, I received my first and only cochlear implant via surgery when I was two years old, in February 1994. A cochlear implant is a "device that replaces the function of the damaged inner ear" according to the Hearing Associates of Central Florida - it is both an internal and external processor (my hearing aid).

With the cochlear implant, it was made very clear to me that it seemed that there are two types of people in the world: those with disabilities and those without disabilities. I mean, this seemingly small genetic condition has made a huge impact on my life, from how I live and how I communicate to how I sleep, exercise, and shower. With my hearing impairment, I feel forced to carefully confront my fears and limitations daily.

Growing up, I was always jealous of those who weren't disabled. They appeared to be normal and have the privilege to live however they wanted without the consequences, at least without the consequences I was worried about. My hearing impairment prevented me from having a truly "normal" social life as a child. As a kid during recess, my classmates would go up and down the plastic slides at the playground; I couldn't for fear of an electric shock wiping out my cochlear processor. As a teen on the swim team, my teammates verbally communicated swim drills and inside jokes in the water, allowing them to create important bonds with one another as friends and teammates. However I couldn't because my processor wasn't waterproof, which meant I had to swim without hearing, feeling left out. I didn't know sign language, as my family and I learned Cued Speech to help me better read lips - a not so well-known form of language but helpful from an early age. The physical limitations of my disability, my cochlear processor, and confusion around my sexuality forced me to feel like an outcast. I thought to myself, Why would someone want to be friends with a boy who wears a large hearing aid, acts feminine, and spits out unnecessary related references from the WB television show Charmed? Instead of finding friendships in school, I had a close friendship with my mother and my closed-captioned television.

As I grew older, I became more insecure about my disability. After all, I had a huge scar from my cochlear implant surgery and my hearing aid that was on display for everyone to see and potentially comment on. It also portrayed the physical capabilities of what I could and could not do. I used to project my insecurities onto my peers, teachers, and more by trying to prove to them that I was not what they thought a typical deaf person was like. Instead of letting my hearing disability stop me, I tried to succeed in my professional life wherever possible. If it felt as if people thought I was deaf and dumb, I would listen and ask questions. If they thought I was slow and lazy, I would perk up and be persistent. I would also try to poke fun at my hearing impairment to prove I was self-aware but didn't let it stop me. After all, Carrie Fisher once said, "If my life wasn't funny, it would just be true, and that is unacceptable". Fortunately, I somehow turned my insecurities into motivation for me to be the best person I could be.

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Find out why Mark Burka's disability is what motivates him to be the best person he can be.

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This school is a great option for a learning environment fully centered around a deaf child's needs. They would be surrounded by piers that have the same disability and staff that are trained specifically to teach deaf students.

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Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind

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The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is a tuition-free state public school and outreach center available to eligible Pre-K and K-12 students who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired.

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A cochlear implant is a personal choice for every family, but knowing the facts on it can help with the decision.

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Cochlear implants are implantable medical hearing aids that allow wearers to hear and process audio information more clearly.

Although cochlear implants perform the same basic as hearing aids, there are several key differences between how both assistive hearing technologies work.

How Cochlear Implants Work (Versus Hearing Aids)

Whereas hearing aids work by boosting sound signals, cochlear implants are used when the ear's infrastructure is too damaged to receive audio information. If the vibrational hairs in the cochlea (i.e. inner ear) become injured or infected, they're no longer able to send this information to the brain for sound processing.

Cochlear implants work by bypassing the damaged portion of the ear to ensure that audio signals from the outside world reach the brain:

Each cochlear implant comes with an external microphone that captures sound and converts this information into a digital signal

The converted digital signal is then sent along the auditory nerve via electronic impulses

Once these impulses reach the brain, they're interpreted as sound - allowing the user to hear more clearly

But before exploring cochlear implants as a treatment solution, it is important that you appreciate both the advantages and disadvantages of this assistive hearing technology.

What Are the "Cons" of Cochlear Implants?

Receiving cochlear implants is a fairly routine medical procedure, but surgery (of any kind) always carries certain medical risks. So it's important you discuss these risks with your healthcare provider before moving forward.

Below are some additional considerations:

Cochlear implants cannot fully restore hearing. They can only improve your ability to receive and process audio information.

Although most cochlear implant wearers report some level of improvement, there are no guarantees. It's possible that you might not receive any benefit from wearing them.

Cochlear implants are covered by most insurance plans. But for those who lack health care coverage, they can be prohibitively expensive.

Cochlear implants require ongoing maintenance. This is also true of hearing aids. Newer hearing aid models allow for easy customization by the user, cochlear implants must be fitted and configured by a licensed audiologist.

Some cochlear implants come with waterproofing for recreational activities like swimming, but for high contact activities and sports, you may need to remove them.

Last but not least are the aesthetics.

Cochlear implants are visible medical hearing aids that consist of two parts. The internal hearing aid is surgically inserted into the side of the user's head (behind the ear). The external sound processor sit outside of the head and is roughly the size of a large hearing aid.

For many people with severe hearing loss, however, the benefits of cochlear implants far outweigh the downsides.

Let's explore why that is.

What Are the "Pros" of Cochlear Implants?

For those who are deaf or profoundly hard of hearing, cochlear implants can help improve their ability to communicate with and enjoy the outside world.

In fact, wearing cochlear implants can be a life-changing experience for anyone who is consistently frustrated by:

Social isolation

Misunderstandings

Dropped conversations

Cochlear implants can also help you hear sounds that you've never heard before - from classical music to birdsong to morning alarm clocks.

Although all surgical procedures carry certain risks, the side effects of receiving and wearing cochlear implants are very mild. The most common complaints include temporary information, bleeding, and irritation - most of which clear up shortly after the procedure.

Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants are covered by most personal and governmental insurance programs (including Medicaid and Medicare). So despite their high upfront cost, this assistive hearing technology is within easy financial reach of the nearly 100,000 cochlear implant wearers in the US.

Am I a Good Candidate for Cochlear Implants?

Now that you understand the pros and cons of cochlear implants, you may be wondering whether you're a suitable candidate.

And at The Hearing Solution, we provide comprehensive support to help you make the best decision.

Our process begins with a 2-hour diagnostic evaluation to determine whether cochlear implants can help improve your hearing loss. Many audiologists conduct these tests in quiet, controlled environments. But for results, we perform our screenings in settings that are designed to mimic the real world - complete with ambient noises, background conversations and even street sounds.

Based on the results of this exam, we can then determine the most appropriate treatment option. We may discover that hearing aids, coupled with audio training, are a better fit for your type of hearing loss.

This is true even if you've already worn hearing aids in the past - with mixed results. Again, many audiologists conduct their hearing evaluations in quiet booths. And this reduces the likelihood of receiving hearing aids that have been properly customized and fitted for you - the wearer.

What Happens If I Am a Good Candidate for Cochlear Implants?

If our comprehensive screening reveals that cochlear implants are right for you, we'll help coordinate the procedure with one of the trusted surgeons in our local network.

Some patients need cochlear implants in both ears

Other only need a single cochlear implant in 1 ear

Either way, you should budget about 3 to 4 hours (per ear) for the procedure.

After the surgery is complete, our audiologists at The Hearing Solution will activate your cochlear implant(s) and handle all maintenance, customizations and follow-up visits thereafter.

Ready to Unlock a New World of Sound?

If you're tired of waiting on the sidelines of life, cochlear implants may be able to help.

To find out for sure, schedule a consultation with The Hearing Solution today.
Interested in learning more? Attend one of our regular hearing solution events to learn more about our unique approach to hearing loss or give us a call at 916-646-2471.

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Cochlear Implant Pros and Cons | The Hearing Solution

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Cochlear implants allow wearers to hear and process audio information more clearly. If you're having trouble, contact us to explore our hearing technologies.

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Reading about other families with deaf children can grow a community and to know that you are not alone in your situation.

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Families share their experiences of bringing up a deaf child and give us an insight into the joys and challenges they've faced along the way. These stories have all featured in our popular magazine. Sign up to become a member and receive your quarterly copy.

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Family stories of life with a deaf child | Families magazine

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Families share their experiences of bringing up a deaf child and give us an insight into the joys and challenges they've faced along the way.