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Cochlear Implants
Advanced Hearing Care--Improving your Quality of Life. Potomac Audiology: 240-477-1010 or 301-770-3231
Cochlear Implants Reports
October 18th, 2010
posted by potomac audiology
Working Group on Cochlear Implants
This technical report was approved by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Executive Board in March 2003. This technical report is an update and supersedes the previous technical report Cochlear Implants, 1986. Members of the working group were: Carolyn J. Brown, Co-Chair; Ann Geers; Barbara Herrmann; Karen Iler Kirk, Co-Chair; J. Bruce Tomblin; and Susan Waltzman. Renee Levinson and Gail Linn served as the National Office liaisons and members of the group. Susan Brannen, ASHA 2001–2003 vice president for professional practices in audiology, provided guidance and support. Click on link below to view report.
Cochlear Implants and Meningitis
October 18th, 2010
posted by potomac audiology
Cochlear Implant Recipients Have A Small But Increased Risk Of Meningitis
Currently, almost 10,000 children in the United States with severe to profound hearing loss have cochlear implants. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state health departments which was reported in the July 31, 2003 New England Journal of Medicine, children with cochlear implants have a small but increased risk of contracting meningitis. Of the 4,264 children who received cochlear implants between 1997 and 2002, 26 developed meningitis indicating a 30 times greater incidence among same aged children in the general population. About one half of the cases reported were due to the use of an “electrode positioner” during implant surgery, which was voluntarily withdrawn by the manufacturer in July 2002.
Related to the possible risk of meningitis, the following should be taken into consideration:
- Any surgery on the inner ear can increase the risk of infectious diseases like meningitis.
- Some individuals who are deaf may have congenital abnormalities of the inner ear that make them more prone to meningitis with or without an implant, and
- Some individuals who are deaf from meningitis may be at an increased risk for subsequent episodes of meningitis in comparison to the general population
In addition to reporting the risk factors, the above study emphasized the following recommendations:
- Cochlear implant recipients should have received pneumococcal vaccinations with cochlear implant candidates vaccinated at least two weeks prior to surgery.
- Parents need to know the symptoms of meningitis and be vigilant for possible signs of meningitis.
- Middle ear infections (otitis media) should be treated promptly. In some cases, cochlear implant recipients had signs of middle ear infection prior to surgery or before meningitis developed.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting the following websites or by contacting Gail Linn through the American Speech-Language-Hearing (ASHA) Action Center at 800-498-2071 (ext. 4112) or email at glinn@asha.org :
Cochlear Implants
October 18th, 2010
posted by potomac audiology
COCHLEAR IMPLANTS IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS
Generally speaking, cochlear implants are for patients with severe-to-profound, sensorineural hearing loss. There are approximately 500,000 patients in the USA with severe-to-profound hearing loss. Cochlear implants are only recommended after the patient has tried the most powerful and most appropriately fit hearing aids, and has not shown sufficient benefit from hearing aids. Cochlear implants are devices that are “permanently” surgically implanted into the inner ear.
Cochlear implantation is a surgical procedure performed by otolaryngology surgeons. Cochlear implants have been FDA approved for almost two decades and the advances and improvements in the technology have been amazing. The Food and Drug Association (FDA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) recognize cochlear implants as safe and effective treatment for severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. Most insurance programs pay (at least partly) for cochlear implantation. Your audiologist, your otolaryngology surgeon and their appropriate office staff are experienced at managing insurance issues.
Appropriately identified adults as well as profoundly deaf children (starting at age 12 months) can be implanted. Research demonstrates that the earlier a deaf child is implanted, the better the long term result will be with respect to speech and language development. Following surgery, rehabilitation is necessary, as the child must learn to associate the sound signals with normal sounds. Regarding deaf adults, research suggests that adults who receive cochlear implants are less lonely, have less social anxiety, are more independent, have increased social and interpersonal skills, and of course, they hear better with the cochlear implant.
Cochlear implants are utilized in the patient who cannot benefit from hearing aids. The cochlear implant is a device used to bypass the nonfunctional inner ear and converts sound into electrical impulses that directly stimulate the cochlear nerve. The implant consists of an external portion comprised of a microphone, sound processor, and external coil and an internal portion that must be surgically implanted. The surgical procedure involves the placement of an internal receiver beneath the skin behind the ear, and stimulating electrode array, which is inserted into the cochlea or inner ear. The electrical signals are manipulated and controlled by the audiologist to maximize speech perception. The brain interprets these electrical impulses as sound. Again, not all patients are surgical candidates, and not all cochlear implant recipients receive the same benefit.
It is important to remember that the vast majority of the patients who receive cochlear implants are actually “deaf” prior to implantation, and they have not been successful with traditional hearing aids. Your audiologist is a very knowledgeable resource in regards to cochlear implants and will be happy to discuss them with you.
