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FAQs
Cochlear Implants
WHAT IS A COCHLEAR IMPLANT?
A cochlear implant allows individuals with profound or complete hearing loss to hear, sometimes for the first time. By way of electrical vibration, the device delivers sound through internal and external equipment. A patient receives the internal portion during surgery, and the visible components at several follow-up sessions.
The internal and external components of a cochlear implant work together as follows:
1-2. The microphone picks up sound and sends it to the speech processor.
2-3. In the speech processor, sound is converted into a digital signal and sent to the transmitting coil.
3-4. Via radio frequency, the coil transmits the digital signal through the skin and into the internal receiver.
4-7. From there, the information travels down the array to the inner ear and on to the brain.
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WHO IS A COCHLEAR IMPLANT CANDIDATE?
Please see below for FDA approved criteria regarding cochlear implant candidacy. Our team considers these and additional factors during implant evaluation.
* Age 12 months and up*
* Severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears
* Reception of little or no benefit from amplification devices
* No medical contraindications
* Strong patient motivation and family support
* Appropriate expectations
* For children only: Educational and rehabilitation placement for auditory and spoken language development
* Occasionally, our team implants children as young as 6 months of age.
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WHAT IS INVOLVED IN CANDIDACY EVALUATION?
All candidates receive evaluation from a cochlear implant audiologist and surgeon. Pediatric candidates are evaluated by a speech-language pathologist. Such evaluations include audiology tests, and discussion of general hearing and health history. Additional evaluations may be recommended.
Once a patient is determined a cochlear implant candidate, the following is reviewed:
- Choice of an implant device*
- Implant functions, and expectations for use
- Surgery process
- Programming follow-up
- Educational placement and rehabilitative service
- All short and long term costs
* We offer device selection of all FDA-approved devices.
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HOW LONG IS THE SURGERY PROCESS?
Once a patient is declared a cochlear implant candidate, a surgery date is chosen, and an ear selected for surgery. We recommend the patient see his primary care physician to discuss any health issues. A day or two before surgery, the patient comes in for a pre-operation appointment.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, taking less than two hours. Adult patients usually return home the day of surgery; children sometimes spend the night at the hospital. All patients see the surgeon one week after surgery, and their devices are programmed several weeks later.
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WHAT HAPPENS DURING COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAMMING?
Computerized programming of a device occurs one to two weeks after surgery. The audiologist positions the external equipment and educates the patient about its use. Ongoing, follow-up visits are scheduled to assist specific patient needs and measure device productivity.
At times, implant recipients need speech and language therapy to maximize listening potential. LTHF has such a therapist on site to ensure continuity of patient care.
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WHAT KIND OF BENEFIT CAN I EXPECT FROM A COCHLEAR IMPLANT?
A cochlear implant can provide more sound information than hearing aids. However, not all individuals will receive the same benefit from them. Realistic expectations will be discussed prior to implantation. However, true outcomes are known only after surgery.
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WHAT IS LTHF’S PAYMENT POLICY?
Payment is required at the time of appointment. LTHF requests insurance companies to directly reimburse PPO insurance holders for covered services. However, HMO or Medicare users will not be reimbursed for these costs.
Please note: This does not affect medical and surgical services provided by physicians at the California Ear Institute. Most insurance companies cover services such as surgery and post-operative visits.
LTHF accepts HMO insurance through the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF). If you have HMO insurance through PAMF, you are responsible for obtaining authorization prior to your scheduled appointments (Tax ID#02-063 0432).
Sliding scale payment
LTHF has implemented a sliding scale of payments for those with financial needs. To apply, please complete and mail to the address printed on the application.
For additional information or to make an appointment, please contact us at (650) 462-3143 or appointments@letthemhear.org
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