Cochlear implants are often a next solution for our patients when their hearing aids are not providing enough assistance. Many people start by wearing two hearing aids. However, as hearing loss progresses, you may need something more. To improve your hearing performance and help you understand more clearly, you may need to consider a solution that helps you hear your best with both ears.1,2 For many, a cochlear implant in one ear and a hearing aid in the other can provide a richer, more natural hearing experience.1 This combination is referred to as bimodal hearing.
As a member of the Cochlear Provider Network, we work to assess and treat those who may be candidates for a hearing implant. At Hearing Services of Santa Barbara, we conduct candidacy evaluations to determine if an implant might be right for you. We also support recipients of cochlear implants by meeting their needs for initial activation, interim programming, troubleshooting, upgrades, and even equipment orientation.
Signs That Hearing Aids May Not Be Enough
With hearing aids, do you:
• Have difficulty hearing conversations, especially with background noise?
• Often ask people to repeat themselves?
• Often misunderstand what people say?
• Have trouble hearing on the telephone?
• Turn up the volume on the TV louder than others in the room prefer?
• Feel people often mumble when they talk?
• Struggle to hear sounds of nature such as birds chirping or rain falling?
• Find yourself agreeing, smiling or nodding during conversations when you’re not sure what’s been said?
• Regularly withdraw from conversations because it’s too difficult to hear?
• Read lips to understand what people are saying?
How Do Cochlear Implants Work?
Recipient Testimonials
If you would like to learn more about cochlear implant candidacy, please give our office a call to speak with an audiologist.
References
1. Gifford RH, Dorman MF, McKarns SA, Spahr AJ. Combined electric and contralateral acoustic hearing: Word and sentence recognition with bimodal hearing. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. 2007 Aug 1;50(4):835-43.
2. Dorman MF, Gifford RH, Spahr AJ, McKarns SA. The benefits of combining acoustic and electric stimulation for the recognition of speech, voice and melodies.
Audiology and Neurotology. 2008;13(2):105-12
