Assessment

At SACIC we are guided by best practice, strive for service excellence and work upon a foundation of integrity, respect and ethical decision making.

The assessment process at SACIC allows us to learn about your individual hearing needs so we can advise whether you are likely to gain benefit from hearing implant technology. The assessment process includes:

  • Evaluation of your hearing, speech understanding and communication needs by an Audiologist
  • Consultation with one of SACIC’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeons
  • CT and MRI scans
  • Liaison with your General Practitioner and other Specialists and support services as needed.

During the assessment process you will be provided with written information about hearing implant technology including cochlear implants and other implantable devices; you will be encouraged to ask questions and discuss any concerns which may arise; and you will have the opportunity to meet with other hearing implant recipients so you might learn from their experiences. Family members or perhaps a close friend are welcome to accompany you to all appointments at SACIC.

When is a hearing implant recommended?

Careful evaluation and an accurate assessment of your hearing and communication needs is important to ensure you achieve best hearing outcomes. Following the assessment process, which may take several appointments, we will advise whether you are likely to benefit from a hearing implant.

A cochlear implant or bone conduction implant will be recommended if there is a high likelihood of you hearing and understanding more than you can with conventional hearing aids.

While the SACIC team may make a recommendation to proceed with surgery, it is important to remember it is an elective procedure and therefore the final choice rests with you. At SACIC you will be empowered and supported to make the choice that is best for you.

Are hearing implants suitable for single-sided deafness?

Single-Sided Deafness (SSD) describes a significant hearing loss in one ear whereby minimal benefit is gained from a conventional hearing aid. The other ear may have normal hearing or a lesser degree of hearing loss.

If you have a significant hearing loss in one ear you may still find day-to-day interactions difficult. Listening with one ear presents numerous challenges including:

  • Difficulty determining where sounds are coming from
  • Reduced awareness of sound and speech on your poorer hearing side
  • Difficulty hearing and understanding speech in noisy listening environments
  • Increased stress and tiredness from concentrating and straining to hear

Advances in hearing implant technology and clinical evidence supporting the benefit of hearing with two ears means a cochlear implant or bone conduction implant can now significantly reduce the impact of SSD for many people.

For more information go to:

Is a cochlear implant suitable for single-sided deafness?

Is a bone conduction implant suitable for single-sided deafness?

To find out more about how SACIC can help you, contact us or request an appointment.