Cochlear Implants

Hearing Devices

Cochlear implants have helped to revolutionize hearing loss treatment.

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 speech more clearly, a cochlear implant can provide a richer more natural hearing experience. Cochlear implant recipients will often continue to use a hearing aid in their other ear, which is referred to as bimodal hearing. Others may eventually use cochlear implants in both ears.

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 4 Bridges Audiology, 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, programming, troubleshooting, upgrades, and even equipment orientation.

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?

How Do Cochlear Implants Work?

4 Bridges Audiology works with all cochlear implant manufacturers including Advanced Bionics, Cochlear, and Med-El. The device chosen often depends on the surgeon’s preferences and will be a decision made by all of those involved – the surgeon, the audiologist, and the patient.