Hearing Aids vs Cochlear Implants
So, you’re thinking about hearing aids in comparison to cochlear implants and want to get more information on both? Although your audiologist is the best person to consult with regards to this, we’re going to delve into this topic in today’s blog post.
Hearing aids are devices that use the principle of amplification to make sound louder. They work by collecting sound waves, amplifying them and then transmitting the amplified sound to the ear. Cochlear implants are a type of hearing aid that is surgically implanted into the inner ear. This device stimulates the auditory nerve which results in electrical impulses being sent to your brain, which will eventually turn into sounds.
Hearing aids amplify sounds and transmit them to your ear, whereas cochlear implants are surgically implanted inside your ear and stimulate your auditory nerve for you to hear sounds. Let’s take a look in more detail.
What is the Difference Between a Hearing Aid and a Cochlear Implant?
Hearing aids are a type of assistive device that amplify sounds and help people with hearing problems. Cochlear implants are a surgically implanted electronic device that stimulates the auditory nerve.
A hearing aid is an assistive device that amplifies sounds and helps people with hearing loss. It is not a medical procedure, but rather a piece of technology. A cochlear implant, on the other hand, is an electronic device surgically implanted into the ear to stimulate the auditory nerve and help those who are deaf or hard of hearing to hear again.
How Hearing Aids Work to Receive Sound Waves and Create Sound in the Ears
Hearing aids are electronic devices that help people with hearing loss to hear better. They are made up of a microphone, amplifier and a speaker. Hearing aids can be used in two ways – they can be worn behind the ear, in the ear or they can be implanted into the body. The external hearing aids are more common because they are easier to use and less invasive.
Hearing aids are devices that help those who have hearing loss to hear better. Hearing aids work by receiving sound waves and converting them into sounds in the ears. Hearing aids can be used with smartphones for two different purposes:
To amplify sound coming from the phone
To stream phone audio to a hearing aid through Bluetooth.
How Cochlear Implants Work to Send Electronic Signals to the Brain
Cochlear implants are a medical device that helps people with hearing loss or deafness by sending electronic signals to the brain. The implants are surgically placed inside the ear and work by bypassing damaged areas of the ear to stimulate the auditory nerve.
Cochlear implants help people hear and understand speech in noisy environments, hear high-pitched sounds and improve their ability to follow conversations. The cochlear implant surgery process is not an easy task. It takes about two hours for doctors to make a small incision behind the ear and insert the implant into the cochlea. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and requires a hospital stay of one night following surgery.
Which One Is Right for You?
If you are in the market for a new hearing aid or cochlear implant, you may ask yourself which one is right for me? The answer to this question depends on your needs and what you hope to gain from either a hearing aid or cochlear implant. It should also be something that you make a decision on with your audiologist. If you do not want to have invasive surgery, you may find that it is best for you to choose hearing aids.
How to Choose Between Hearing Aides or Cochlear Implants?
Hearing aids are a great option for those with mild-to-profound hearing loss. They amplify sound around them and make it easier to hear in a noisy environment. Cochlear implants are a great option for those with severe hearing loss. They bypass the eardrum and send sound directly to the inner ear and brain, this, of course, requires a surgical procedure.
Hearing loss is serious and the audiologist who can help you assess your case and choose the right device are few. It is important to consult with an audiologist before you commit to any hearing device or treatment. If you want to know more about hearing aids and which one is right for you, consult our audiologist team today. To find out more about Adirondack Audiology and call us today at 800-273-9536.
