Feeling frustrated and sometimes even exhausted from listening? Whether it happens suddenly or gradually over time, hearing loss can affect you physically and emotionally. Being unable to hear impacts your ability to communicate with your loved ones, hear in noisy environments, talk on the phone, and may force you to become more reliant on your family members to interpret for you.
Cochlear implants work differently than hearing aids. Rather than amplifying sound, they use state-of-the-art electronic components and software to provide access to the sounds you’ve been missing. They are designed to help you hear better and understand speech in all situations, including noisy environments.
Dr. David C. Kelsall,a cochlear implant surgeon and medical advisor to Cochlear, the world leader in cochlear implants, answers questions about cochlear implants and how they are different from hearing aids.
How are cochlear implants different than hearing aids? Hearing aids help many people by making the sounds they hear louder. Unfortunately, as hearing loss progresses, sounds need to not only be made louder, but they also need to be made clearer. Cochlear implants can help give you that clarity, especially in noisy environments. Be sure to discuss your options with a hearing implant specialist in your area.
Are cochlear implants covered by Medicare? Yes, Medicare and most private insurance plans routinely cover Cochlear implants.
How do I know whether a cochlear implant will work for me? Cochlear hearing implant technology is very reliable. In fact, it has been around for almost 40 years, and Cochlear has provided more than 550,000 implantable hearing devices.
Does it require a major surgery? No, not at all. In fact, the procedure is often done on an outpatient basis and typically takes just a couple hours.
Am I too old to get a cochlear implant? No, it’s never too late to regain access to the sounds you’re missing.
Learn more about cochlear implants by calling 1-866-432-7785, and find a hearing implant specialist near you. Visit Cochlear.us/STL for a free guide about cochlear implants.
* Covered for Medicare beneficiaries who meet CMS criteria for coverage. Contact your insurance provider or hearing implant specialist to determine your eligibility for coverage. 1. The Nucleus Freedom Cochlear Implant System: Adult Post-Market Surveillance Trial Results. 2008 June. 2. Cochlear Nucleus Implant Reliability Report. Volume 16 | December 2017. D1175804. Cochlear Ltd; 2018. Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information. Views expressed by hearing health providers are that of the individual. ©2019 Cochlear Limited. All rights reserved. Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of Cochlear Limited. CAM-MK-PR-255 ISS6 JUL19
