18. Hearing loss; demo by Sheila Xu, cochlear implant user | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Cochlear implants are a medical device that restores hearing for those with profound deafness, allowing them to understand speech and improve their quality of life.

Key Insights

• 😷 Cochlear implants are a groundbreaking medical technology that has transformed the lives of individuals with profound deafness.
• 😯 The success of cochlear implants is measured by the ability of the user to understand speech, rather than their ability to recognize musical intervals.
• 🙃 Cochlear implants require regular adjustments and annual check-ups to ensure optimal performance.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How young can a child be to receive a cochlear implant?

Children as young as 1 and 1/2 years old can receive a cochlear implant, as this is the age when the cochlea is fully developed.

Q: Can cochlear implants help with music perception?

While cochlear implants are primarily designed to help individuals understand speech, some cochlear implant users can still enjoy and appreciate music.

Q: How often are adjustments made to the cochlear implant mapping?

Typically, cochlear implant users have yearly appointments with an audiologist to make adjustments to their implant mapping. However, the frequency of adjustments can vary depending on the individual.

Q: Do cochlear implant users rely on lipreading?

Many cochlear implant users do rely on lipreading, especially in situations with background noise or unfamiliar speakers. However, lipreading is not always necessary and many users can understand speech without relying solely on visual cues.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Cochlear implants are an effective solution for individuals with profound deafness, providing them with the ability to hear and understand speech.

• The implant consists of an internal part that is surgically implanted into the cochlea and an external part that includes a microphone and speech processor.

• The implant works by converting sound into electrical signals that stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing the brain to perceive sound.