Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cochlear Implants What is a cochlear implant? A cochlear implant is an electronic device that directly stimulates the hearing nerve to provide sound perceptions, such as the sounds of speech and environmental sounds. Usually, people hear more sounds more comfortably with a cochlear implant than they do with hearing aids. There are two parts of a cochlear implant, one part is surgically placed by a doctor who is an ear specialist, and the other part is worn outside the ear. 1 2 2 1 3 3 Who pays the cost for a cochlear implant? Many insurance plans and third-party providers (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid) cover cochlear implant costs. Check with your cochlear implant center about specifics. Does a cochlear implant make me hearing? No, the cochlear implant does not make deaf people hearing. Rather, it is a tool to give you access to more sounds. Harmony™ Behind-the-Ear Sound Processor What is the surgery like? Where does the implant go? The internal part of the cochlear implant (the receiver) is placed under the skin just above and behind your ear and rests on the skull bone. An electrode array, which looks like a thin wire, is inserted into the inner ear. Through the electrode, sound information is sent to the hearing nerve. Nothing is inserted into the brain, and no part of the brain is exposed or touched during surgery. Surgery is relatively simple and minimally invasive. In most cases, this surgery can be done on an outpatient basis. Platinum Series™ Body-Worn Sound Processor Does the cochlear implant make your nerves move other parts of your body? No. The cochlear implant only stimulates the hearing nerve to give you access to sound. Your body does not act like a robot when you use a cochlear implant. 2-091212 FAQ for Deaf community-1 1 11/21/06 1:22:22 PM Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cochlear Implants Can I still go swimming and get my hair wet with a cochlear implant? Yes! Just as you would remove your hearing aids, you would take off the outside components (the processor and headpiece) before going swimming or getting your hair wet. Can I still play sports after getting a cochlear implant? Yes! You can participate in sports with a cochlear implant. It is also possible to wear protective headgear such as helmets. Can I have an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan if I have a cochlear implant? Yes! These procedures can be safely done with your cochlear implant. You should take off your external parts (processor and headpiece). Can I have a MRI if I have a cochlear implant? Yes, with restrictions. The HiRes 90K® cochlear implant internal device has a magnet that can be removed so that you can go through certain MRI machines. If you need to have a MRI, discuss your options with your CI center. My hearing aid(s) did not help me very much. Will a cochlear implant be better? It is difficult to predict how each person will do with a cochlear implant, because everyone is different. During the cochlear implant evaluation, the audiologist and/or cochlear implant surgeon can discuss realistic expectations with you. Can I learn more about cochlear implants? Yes! Contact the Bionic Ear Association at Advanced Bionics by email: [email protected] or phone: (800) 678-2575; (800) 678-3575 (TTY). Contact the Advanced Bionics Insurance Reimbursement Department for inquiries on coverage: (877) 779-0229 (V), (800) 678-3575 (TTY), [email protected] 2-091212 FAQ for Deaf community-2 2 NOV06 2-091212 11/21/06 1:22:37 PM
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