Cochlear Implants
Life with Cochlear Implants
"It got activated and I remember we had a 4th of July get together with a bunch of friends and I was sitting around a table and everybody was talking and I was just having a great time listening to everybody and hearing what they had to say."
Deb A., Cochlear™ Nucleus® recipient
Consider Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are often a next solution for our patients, when their hearing aids are not providing enough assistance. Many people start by wearing two hearing aids. However, as hearing loss progresses, you may need something more. To improve your hearing performance and help you understand more clearly, you may need to consider a solution that helps you hear your best with both ears.1,2 For many, a cochlear implant in one ear and a hearing aid in the other can provide a richer more natural hearing experience.1 This combination is referred to as bimodal hearing.
As a member of the Cochlear Provider Network, we work with local surgeons to assess and treat those who may be candidates for a hearing implant. At Expert Hearing Clinic, we conduct candidacy evaluations to determine if an implant might be right for you. We also support recipients of cochlear implants by meeting their needs for initial activation, interim programming, troubleshooting, upgrades, and even equipment orientation.
How Do Cochlear Implants Work?
Cochlear implants have two parts: an external sound processor similar to hearing aids and a surgical implant that transmits sound directly to the inner ear.
Together they work to bypass the non-working parts of the ear and send sound straight to the hearing nerve. Click the video below to learn more about how cochlear implants work.
Signs that hearing aids may not be providing enough benefit
With hearing aids, do you:
- Have difficulty hearing conversations, especially with background noise?
- Often ask people to repeat themselves?
- Often misunderstand what people say?
- Have trouble hearing on the telephone?
- Turn up the volume on the TV louder than others in the room prefer?
- Feel people often mumble when they talk?
- Struggle to hear sounds of nature such as birds chirping or rain falling?
- Find yourself agreeing, smiling or nodding during conversations when you’re not sure what’s been said?
- Regularly withdraw from conversations because it’s too difficult to hear?
- Read lips to understand what people are saying?
Steps To Getting Cochlear Implants Or Hearing Solutions
Hearing Test Your hearing will be tested by an audiologist to determine if you are a candidate for a cochlear implant.
Insurance Approval Unlike hearing aids, Cochlear Implant systems are often covered by your insurance plan, including Medicare and typically Medicaid. Cochlear and your audiologist will work with your insurance company to determine your eligibility for coverage. (Click this link for more information on cochlear implant cost.)
Meet With The Physician We’ll refer you to an Ear, Noise, and Throat doctor who will evaluate which hearing solution is best for you.
Surgery Cochlear implant surgery is an outpatient procedure that usually takes two to three hours under general anesthesia.
Activation Two to four weeks after surgery, you will return to your audiologist to activate your cochlear implant.
Post Activation You will have appointments over the first several months so your audiologist can make adjustments to your sound processor and verify your performance to help ensure your best hearing experience.
Ongoing Rehabilitation and Care Retraining your brain to interpret sounds into recognizable words takes practice and is a gradual process. Rehabilitation can help to speed up the learning and healing process and will be a key to your success.
Patient Testimonials
Haley Hemmelgarn2023-08-25Went in due to severe dizziness. They were able to fit me in the next day. Super kind, they explained every test that they were going to do, explained what I’d be feeling, and really listened to my symptoms. One of the tests really took a toll on me and I ended up getting sick because of it… the doctor comforted me the entire time, took care of me, and then got to the root of the problem. I left SAME DAY with the dizziness gone. Caring, considerate, and absolutely effective.
Mike Baker2023-08-06Hands down the best doctors I've ever been to. Highly recommend. Not like all the others.. Thank you!!
Jennifer S2023-07-18My mom had a wonderful experience with Expert Hearing. From the initial evaluation and hearing test to navigating insurance to fitting and following up on her new hearing aids, the doctor was thorough and professional and went above and beyond to take good care of my mom. She took her time and explained everything carefully and answered all of our questions. Would highly recommend!
Pam Preston2023-02-02My husband has been a patient here for about 5 years. Danielle is the most caring and supportive person! She always goes over and above and she is available anytime we need anything. So glad we found her!
robert sharples2020-10-15My wife and recently moved to Ohio from the East coast to be near family and had to find new medical caregivers. I found Expert Hearing Clinic through Google since I had no references, just used “near me” to get a list. I can’t tell you how lucky I was to find these folks! Their attention to all aspects of my hearing was superb. I really felt like they cared about me as an individual with my own unique hearing issues. Their manners were kind and caring. I highly recommend Expert Hearing Clinic!
Ronnie Taulbee2020-07-18I had came to this office, after my visit to a different hearing center. Actually, that is what brought me there in the first place, with the referral from my insurance company. The first place I visited left me thinking, let's say not to high of an opinion for doctors of audiologly, but when I came to Expert Hearing Clinic, I was put at ease by the doctor there, and my visit went better than I expected. My hearing test was completed, and it was very well assesed. This is my first experience wearing hearing aids, so I did have to comeback several times for small adjustments, and I even had to go from one company to another to find the right hearing aid for me. But, Danielle did a great job, and patiently changed out the equipment to something I get more use out of. I highly recommend this place, and their doctors. Sorry for the long read, by but it was necessary. Give them a try, you will not be disappointed. Thank you.
Ted James2018-12-06My mother-in-law just received hearing aids from Dr. Cisler. We received wonderful care. We got an appointment quickly, and she is extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend her.
Janet House2018-07-09Dr. Gorsky is great. I got an appointment quickly, and she is friendly, professional, and extremely knowledgable. I've dealt with hearing issues for many years (being a rock musician), and she made ear molds for my inear monitors that work very well. I highly recommend her.
Embark on Your Journey Today
- Contact us, and we'll gladly address your questions about hearing loss and hearing aids.
- Schedule an appointment with our audiologist for a hearing test to determine your suitability for hearing aids.
- If hearing aids are suitable, our hearing specialist will discuss options tailored to your unique hearing profile, lifestyle, preferences, and budget.
- Your new hearing aids will be customized and programmed to deliver optimal hearing, allowing you to reconnect with the people and activities essential to your life.