Cochlear implant FAQ

Common questions include: What is involved in the assessment? How much will it cost? Do I have to limit my sports activity? If you have a question that is not answered here please contact us.

What is involved in the audiological investigation?

Firstly, we need to ensure that there is no simpler way to assist you to hear. We will ensure that hearing aids are optimized, that other possible devices have been considered and that we believe a cochlear implant is the instrument of choice for you. The audiological assessment includes;

• Checking if your hearing levels are varying (therefore this requires a number of visits).
• Providing information about the cochlear implant.
• Meeting other people who have a cochlear implant.
• You and your family may have questions which come to light only after several visits (or after meeting other recipients). We provide you time to ask questions in order to ensure that you have all the information you require.

How long do I have to wait to get a cochlear implant?

The assessment process usually takes a minimum of 3 months. When both you and our cochlear implant team are happy to go ahead, there is a wait of only a few weeks for an operation time.

How much will it cost?

The out-of-pocket cost for cochlear implant treatment will vary depending on individual circumstances and may be influenced by changes in Medicare or Health Fund rebates and government policies. For current information about out of pocket costs please contact SACIC.

How much hearing loss does someone need before they are considered suitable for a cochlear implant?

The criteria are changing over time. Initially, people had to have a total loss in both ears. Nowadays most people need to have a moderate to profound loss in both ears. This means they should get little or no benefit from using hearing aids. Many people with residual low frequency hearing may get little high frequency information from hearing aids and may well be considered for a cochlear implant. Certain people whose hearing shows significant fluctuation may be considered as well.

Can someone with a hearing loss from birth or a young age have a successful cochlear implant?

If the person has not used hearing aids and has not developed good speech and language, then in most cases the auditory centres of the brain will not have developed normally. So even if the cochlear implant stimulates the hearing nerve, the brain may not be able to make good use of this incoming information. Generally, such people would not get a good outcome.

However, if the person has been able to access some hearing and developed reduced speech and language, there may be a benefit from a cochlear implant. The amount of benefit will still be limited compared to someone who had normal hearing and went deaf in later life. It is highly unlikely that language will improve, and improvements in speech will be very small. Usually it is possible to hear important things better (children’s cries or warning sounds etc) and in some instances obtain better understanding when using lip-reading as well. It is unlikely that hearing will be good enough to understand speech without lip-reading.

What will it be like when I am switched-on?

Despite all the counselling about expectations beforehand, most people maintain high hopes. Switch-on can be a very frustrating and emotionally draining time. The information you hear will not be painful, just different.

What will it sound like?

This is difficult to describe. At the first session, the hearing nerve is usually still awaking to sound, so although sounds may be heard, they may not sound as they should or even as they will sound later in the switch-on process. Some clients say it sounds terrible at first. Others say it sounds normal. Usually by the end of a month, speech is becoming more like it should be and the message can be understood.

How often does an implantee need a new MAP?

This varies from person to person and from centre to centre. Some centres suggest that adults should decide for themselves when they are in need of a new MAP. Experience suggests that if the person does not get a new MAP some time between once every 3 to 6 months, then they won't be hearing optimally.

Can an implantee have an MRI or other X-rays or scans?

X-rays and CT scans can be performed with a cochlear implant present. It is possible to perform an MRI scan with the most recent models of cochlear implant by following some simple precautions. With older devices MRI scans may not be possible at all. With some older devices it is possible to remove the magnet from the internal part of the device. This will require a minor operation and another procedure to replace it after the MRI. Further information is available at the manufacturer's website.

Can an implantee go through the security gates at an airport?

Implantees can go through airport security. It is recommended that you leave your processor switched on in case the security guard needs to speak to you. The implant may set off the warning (as it may also do with some store security systems) and if your processor is set on the telecoil “T” setting you may hear some buzzing, which is harmless electromagnetic interference. It is a good idea to carry your patient identification card with you which proves that you have an implanted medical device. These cards are provided for you by SACIC.

If you are travelling with a spare speech processor switch it off, keep it inside a carry-on bag and place the bag onto the conveyer belt at airport security. Never place your processor directly onto a conveyer belt, as static electricity may build up on its surface and corrupt the MAP. The x-ray machine should not affect your MAP when the processor is turned off.

Note: A low-level x-ray is used to screen carry-on luggage. The x-ray will not harm your processor or the MAP. Never put your spare processor into checked baggage as this could expose it to damaging x-rays.

Does the speech processor need to be switched off while flying?

You may be required to switch off your sound processor. Your processor is considered to be a medical portable electronic device, so you should notify airline personnel that you are using a cochlear implant system. Then they can alert you to safety measures which may include the need to switch your processor off. If you have a remote control for your processor, this should also be switched off.

I am planning overseas travel, what should I take with me? Can I get support from a clinic somewhere else around the world if I need help?

We can give you a computer disk with your MAP information. Should there be a need, you can visit one of the many clinics throughout the world who provide care for implantees. We can also give you a printed copy of your most recent MAP.

If you are travelling, it's a good idea to get the contact details of clinics in the area from your local clinic before you leave. If you forget to do that, the information is available at the manufacturer’s website.

A further consideration when travelling is insurance for accidental loss or damage of your sound processor. And finally, you should take your patient identification card, which is provided for you by SACIC.

Do I have to limit my sports activity? What about SCUBA diving and swimming?

Having a cochlear implant will not limit swimming or sports activity. For swimming you will need to remove the external component (i.e. speech processor) when you swim, much like you would have to remove a hearing aid. The internal part of the cochlear implant is not affected by water. More aggressive or contact sports require you to wear a helmet to protect your equipment. Boxing and other aggressive sports are discouraged.

For SCUBA divers, the internal implant is validated to withstand pressure at a depth of 25 metres (82 feet) underwater. However, it is recommended that you check with your surgeon or clinician before participating in a dive. There may be other medical factors that you will need to consider.