What is a cochlear implant and how does it work?

To understand the importance of the right age for cochlear implantation, we must first know how this procedure works. In many people, hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells of the inner ear (cochlea); Cells that play a vital role in transmitting sound to the auditory nerve. In cases where these cells are severely damaged, even the most powerful hearing aids are not effective enough; Because the hearing aid only amplifies the sound, not transmitting it to the nerve. In contrast, cochlear implants send sound signals directly to the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged cells. Therefore, even in people who do not hear sounds completely, it can create a significant performance. Therefore, taking action to improve the best age for cochlear implantation becomes important.

Why is the age of cochlear implantation important?

The human brain is most flexible in the early years of life. If the child does not receive sound during this period, the auditory nerve pathways are not well formed and in the future, even with surgery, the brain's response may be limited.
Therefore, the sooner a hearing impaired child is implanted, the easier the brain processes sounds and the probability of achieving natural speech increases. However, this issue does not mean that cochlear implantation is ineffective at older ages; Rather, it shows the importance of the speed of action in childhood.

Why is the operation not performed before 18 months of age?

Although it is possible to diagnose hearing loss from infancy. , but cochlear implantation is usually not done before 18 months; Because:

• Detailed examinations of the stability of hearing loss should be done.
• Additional imaging tests and hearing evaluations will take time.
• The baby must reach the appropriate weight and physical conditions for surgery.
If your child has been diagnosed with severe hearing loss since birth, do not delay the evaluation sessions. Every month of delay is equal to reducing the chance of a better result.

The best age for cochlear implantation in adults

Cochlear implantation for adults has no age limit. In other words, unlike children, cochlear implantation in adults does not have a specific age. People who have severe hearing loss as an adult due to injury, trauma, disease or genetic factors can benefit from this surgery at any age. The main condition for success in adults:

• The auditory nerve must be healthy.
• The patient must have the motivation and ability to participate in rehabilitation sessions.
• The duration of hearing loss should not be very long and without sound stimulation.

Cochlear implant results at different ages

Age is only one of the factors of cochlear implant success. In addition to knowing the best age for cochlear implantation, the following factors also affect the result:

• Degree and type of hearing loss
• Auditory nerve health • History of using hearing aids
• Regular attendance at speech therapy and rehabilitation sessions • Motivation and cooperation of the parents or the patient himself

However, time is still a key factor and the faster the brain receives sound, the better the result.

Last word | When should we act?

The best age for cochlear implantation in children is between 18 months and 3 years; The age when the brain is most ready to learn and the result of the treatment will be much better. Of course, this does not mean that cochlear implantation is useless at older ages. If you or your child has severe hearing loss, at any age, it is necessary to see an otolaryngologist and a cochlear implant surgeon. Fast action means more success and late action will make the learning process more difficult. Therefore, whenever hearing loss is diagnosed, do not postpone the necessary evaluations. Timely diagnosis and rapid initiation of treatment is the key to hearing recovery and improving the quality of life. e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child" data-id="72f24028" data-element_type="container" data-settings='{"background_background":"classic"}'>