Cochlear Implant Pros and Cons List

Hearing loss is one of the most difficult disabilities you might face. It has many causes, such as birth defect, loud noise, illness and accidents. Luckily, there are many ways to treat this condition, such as hearing aids and devices, among which a very popular choice called cochlear implant.

A cochlear implant uses an electronic device that is surgically implanted within your ear, particularly its canal. It is performed if you suffer from severe or worsening hearing loss. Essentially, the implant replaces the function of your inner ear’s hair cells, which help you register sound vibrations and when damaged, are not able to function. While a cochlear implant will not give you back 100% of your hearing ability, it is enough to allow you to hear and understand most sounds and communicate better with other people.

While there are inherent benefits that come with this procedure, it also has some drawbacks. If you are considering a cochlear implant, here are some of the pros and cons you will want to consider.

List of Pros of Cochlear Implant

1. It improves hearing.
Obviously, a cochlear implant will improve your hearing, but it is not certain how much. Everyone who has received the surgery definitely reported improvements, which consequently improved their value of life.

However, you should know that your age factors heavily into whether or not you would be a good candidate for getting this kind of implant. It will be taken into account by your doctor, along with your overall health and any current or reoccurring health issues you are having. Usually, you will be a good candidate if you have severe hearing loss in both ears; though just one will not disqualify you. It is also needed if you are not getting relief from other kinds of hearing devices; understand that they might not work for you; understand risks of such solutions; and understand that results will vary with this kind of treatment.

2. It helps deaf children in school.
Usually, deaf children are relegated to schools that cater to people with hearing disorder. However, when they get a cochlear implant, they will most likely have a much easier time integrating themselves into a regular school. It will also help them feel more comfortable with themselves. What’s more, you have to remember that special schools come with their own set of costs for tutoring, interpreters and assistive technology for deaf students, so this procedure will cut down on these costs.

3. It offers more opportunities.
One great advantage to having a cochlear implant is that, for younger people who receive it, it will help them in social groups, aside from schools, as well as broaden their prospective aspects for their career choices. While these people may still be limited, the limitation will not be as hindering or severe as if they had no hearing choices available to them at all.

4. It increases safety for deaf people.
Well, walking around without the ability of hearing can lead you into some dangerous situations without even realizing it. The ability to hear things will alert you to potential dangers around you. With this in mind, getting a cochlear implant can mean that important sounds should be better heard, keeping you as user safer when out and about.

List of Cons of Cochlear Implant

1. It is expensive.
Take note that the cost of a cochlear implant is high, so many people, even if they want it badly, cannot afford the procedure, which can run over USD 50,000. This will not be that heavy for those who are covered by insurance, but for those who are not insured or are having one, but is not enough, they may not be able to afford a cochlear implant.

2. It might generate different sounds.
The way a cochlear implant translates sound and the way it occurs naturally are really different from the original sound. In fact, adults who have received this treatment, have a more difficult time re-adjusting to sounds than children do. Unfamiliar sounds would be more difficult for adults to comprehend with a cochlear implant.

3. It poses some surgical risks and complications.
You should know that surgery, in and of itself, always runs risks, and if you have any medical condition prior to it, it may make things more difficult—healing may be hindered or complications may arise. Considering that cochlear implants require a surgical insertion, you should always talk to your physician regarding your current and past health concerns. Surgery can also lead to numbness of the surgical site, muscle spasms, minor facial paralysis or occasional facial numbness.

Even older adults who receive the implant might have permanent or temporary electronic conversion complications in the brain, which are not painful nonetheless. Electronic signals might not register fully, causing some hearing and speech hindrances.

Moreover, some people will have surgical complications or are found to be not compatible with the device. Their body might reject the implant, which could require further surgery or removal. If the device fails, patients will experience around the same level of hearing loss or deafness before until repair is done.

4. It requires maintenance.
Take note that cochlear implants will often require battery changing, remapping of processors and replacement of wires, which can often run at high costs. So, make sure you take care of the implant and be aware of the environmental hazards to save on the cost of replacement.

5. It may limit physical activity.
After receiving a cochlear implant, you might experience some limitations on some physical activities, including water sports and recreation, high-contact sports and other water-related activities. Remember that water exposure can damage your implant or cause complications. So, always consult your doctor before doing any activity that affects the implant.

6. It may cause irritation.
It can take some time to get used to such implant, during which you might experience dry irritated skin and itchiness around the outer part of the device. Other people even mentioned that certain clothing, scarfs, hats, hoods, etc., can also irritate the area.

Conclusion

Undergoing a cochlear implant is definitely a big decision you make in life, so make sure to research everything you can about it before proceeding.