What are hearing implants? The different types explained
For some individuals, hearing aids are not able to provide a sufficient improvement for their hearing loss. In these cases, hearing implants may offer a life-changing difference. At Harley Street Hearing, we are proud to offer a variety of implants to suit your hearing needs, including cochlear implants (CIs), middle ear implants (MEIs) and bone anchored hearing aids (BAHAs).
Cochlear implants
Cochlear implants (CIs) are recommended for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss, who receive little to no benefit from well-fitted hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids which amplify sounds, cochlear implants bypass the damaged inner ear (cochlea) and directly stimulate the hearing nerve.
A cochlear implant consists of two main components:
- External Part: This part resembles a behind-the-ear hearing aid and includes a microphone, processor, battery, and transmitter. It captures sound and sends electrical signals to the internal component.
- Internal Part: This part is surgically implanted under the skin. It contains a magnet that connects to the external processor through the skin and electrodes that extend into the cochlea. These electrodes stimulate the hearing nerve, allowing sound to be perceived.
How are cochlear implants different to hearing aids?
Hearing aids amplify sound, making it loud enough to effectively stimulate the hair cells in the cochlea. In contrast, cochlear implants bypass these structures entirely and directly stimulate the hearing nerve. This makes cochlear implants particularly effective in improving speech clarity in quiet settings, even for individuals with severe or profound hearing loss.
What to expect with a cochlear implant
Most recipients of a cochlear implant can detect sounds and recognise speech at comfortable levels. Many develop the ability to understand speech without visual cues and even use the telephone or enjoy music. Certain listening environments such as very noisy settings or those with limited visual cues may still be challenging. Reprogramming of the implant or auditory therapy may help improve performance.
Middle ear implants
Middle ear implants (MEIs) are an excellent option for individuals with conductive or mixed hearing losses, or for those who cannot use hearing aids due to medical reasons. MEIs mechanically vibrate the middle ear bones, bypassing damaged structures in the outer or middle ear.
MEIs consist of two parts:
- External Processor: This part captures sound and transmits it to the implanted internal component. It is held in place via a magnet.
- Internal Component: This part is surgically implanted, and vibrates the ossicles (tiny bones) of the middle ear.
How are middle ear implants different to hearing aids?
Hearing aids amplify sound, and require the sound to travel through all the portions of the ear. MEIs convert sound into mechanical vibrations to stimulate the bones of the middle ear. This bypasses the outer ear or portions of the middle ear, making MEIs more suitable for conductive or mixed hearing losses.
What to expect with a middle ear implant
MEI surgery is usually a day procedure, allowing patients to return home the same evening. After a healing period of approximately two weeks, you would visit us at Harley Street Hearing to have the implant fitted and programmed. Recipients typically report natural and improved sound quality, significantly enhancing their speech understanding.
Bone anchored hearing aids
Bone anchored hearing aids (BAHAs) deliver sound directly to the inner ear via bone conduction, bypassing the outer and middle ear. These devices are ideal for individuals with conductive or mixed hearing losses, or medical conditions that prevent the use of traditional hearing aids.
How are BAHAs different to hearing aids?
Unlike hearing aids, which rely on amplifying sound through the ear’s natural pathways, BAHAs bypass the outer and middle ear entirely. They deliver acoustic signals directly to the cochlea through bone conduction. This makes it ideal for conductive or mixed hearing losses, rather than sensorineural hearing loss.
What to expect with a BAHA
The surgical procedure for BAHAs is typically done as a day case. After a healing period of approximately two weeks, you would visit us at Harley Street Hearing to have the device fitted and programmed. Recipients quickly acclimate to the sound and typically experience significant improvements in their hearing and speech understanding.
Discover the right hearing implant for you
At Harley Street Hearing, we understand that hearing loss is a deeply personal experience. That’s why we offer a wide range of hearing implant solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s a cochlear implant, middle ear implant or bone anchored hearing aid, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Take the first step toward rediscovering the sounds of life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation if you think you may benefit from a hearing implant.
Enjoy this article? You might be interested in some of our others:
