Cochlear implants are a type of hearing device, but unlike hearing aids, which can be removed and put on as needed, cochlear implants require a surgical procedure to be implanted. Instead of simply amplifying sounds, cochlear implants bypass the damaged parts of the ear and send signals directly to the auditory nerve, creating a new pathway for sound to reach the brain. This type of hearing device is typically recommended for individuals with severe or profound hearing loss.
While cochlear implants don’t restore natural hearing, they can make a big difference in how kids with severe or profound hearing loss experience the world. However, it’s important to remember that success with a cochlear implant looks different for every child. Key factors including your child’s age, how long they’ve had hearing loss, and the support they receive after surgery (such as therapy) can impact how effective an implant is. It’s not a quick fix, but for many families, especially those with hearing parents who use speech as the main form of communication, it can be a valuable option to support your child’s language development.
For more information, see our full article Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) 101.
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