Can you hear normally with a cochlear implant?

Can you hear normally with a cochlear implant?

Cochlear implants allow deaf people to receive and process sounds and speech. However, these devices do not restore normal hearing. They are tools that allow sound and speech to be processed and sent to the brain. A cochlear implant is not right for everyone.

How long does it take to adjust to a cochlear implant?

After cochlear implant surgery, you must allow one month for the area to heal. Once the area is fully healed we can start to program and use the external processor on the ear. You will be scheduled for a series of programming appointments over the course of the four to six weeks.

How is hearing with a cochlear implant different from normal hearing?

A cochlear implant is very different from a hearing aid. Hearing aids amplify sounds so they may be detected by damaged ears. Cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.

How do cochlear implants affect speech?

Conclusion: Cochlear implantation provided significant improvement in speech understanding in challenging situations, subjective perception of hearing performance, and quality of life. Cochlear implantation also resulted in reduced tinnitus disturbance.

How long after cochlear implant can you hear?

Most individuals note a significant growth in their awareness of sounds within days after their cochlear implant is turned on, which is about four to six weeks after surgery. Speech understanding improves more gradually, with most individuals experiencing the largest improvement within the first six months.

How does hearing with a cochlear implant sound?

The sound perceived through a cochlear implant is not the same as the sound heard with normal hearing. Cochlear implant wearers who have previously heard naturally often describe the sound as being robotic or tinny. However, with time the brain adjusts to the new signals and what is heard becomes more natural.