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Cochlear Implant is a solution for children and adults who are suffering from hearing loss. In this article, you will get an idea about how Cochlear Implant works and will get to know if you might be a candidate for it or not.

Cochlear implant is a tiny complex medical device and these work differently than the other hearing aids. Not only cochlear implant amplifies sound, it provides the sense of sound by stimulating the auditory nerve directly. Cochlear Implants do not treat hearing loss, but they provide an opportunity for the severely hard of hearing or deaf to perceive the sensation of sound by bypassing the damaged inner ear.

A cochlear implant is the best option for a better hearing to the ones who are suffering from severe damage to the sensory cells in the inner ear. While most people with hearing loss are quite successful with hearing aids.

A Cochlear implant has the following parts:

A microphone which picks up sound from the environment

A speech processor which selects and arranges sounds picked up by the microphone

A transmitter and receiver/stimulator, which receive signals from the speech processor and convert them into electric impulses

An electrode array, which is a group of electrodes that collects the impulses from the stimulator and sends them to different regions of the auditory nerve

A Cochlear implant is a proven medical option primarily designed to help the child with hearing loss communicate more easily and interact more comfortably with others. Cochlear Implant is an another option to the traditional attempts to improve hearing ability, such as powerful hearing aids, which in some cases provide little or no assistance.

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How do cochlear implant works?

A cochlear implant operates by using two main components i.e. an external part that hooks over the ear and an internal plant implanted by surgery. The two components are coupled using a powerful magnet.

External

The external component of a cochlear implant contains a microphone, a speech processor and a transmitter. The microphone and speech processor are combined in a small unit that looks like a behind-the-ear hearing aid. A small wire usually attaches them to the transmitter, which is positioned over the internal part of the device. The microphone picks up sounds and sends it to the speech processor. The processor analyzes and digitizes the signal before sending it to the transmitter. The transmitter then codes the signals and sends them to the implanted receiver by the magnetic coupling.

Internal

The internal part of a cochlear implant includes a receiver, which is located under the skin on the temporal bone, and one or more electrode arrays. The receiver gets the signals from the transmitter and converts them into electrical pulses. It then dispatches the pulses to the electrodes that have been inserted deeply into the inner ear. These electrodes directly stimulate the auditory nerve throughout a portion of the cochlea and the brain then interprets these signals as sound.

History of Cochlear Implant

Scientists have experimented with the use of electrical stimulation for the treatment of hearing loss. In fact, Alessandro Volta experimented on himself in the year 1800 by inserting a metal rod in his ear and then stimulating them with electricity. In the mid 1950s experimentation with electrical stimulation to the auditory nerve really ramped up, as researchers performed several successful studies on deaf individuals. By 1972, researchers made the first implantable single-channel cochlear implant. More than a thousand people, mostly military veterans and children, were surgically fitted with the single-channel implant from 1972 through the mid-1980s.

The first implantable single-channel cochlear implant was designed by scientists more than 40 years ago in 1972.

Though the single - channel device was able to provide more auditory stimulation than hearing aids could for this population, the success was generally limited to awareness of environmental sounds and enhanced speech reading ability. Then, in 1984, Cochlear Corporation developed the first multi channel cochlear implant for commercial use, which was initially approved by the FDA for adults, age 18 and older. Just 5 years later, FDA extended the age range down to 2 years and older. By the year 2000, certain devices were approved for use in children as young as 12 months of age. This approval is significant because it allows children to be fitted with a cochlear implant at a young enough age that they can develop speech and language rapidly, often catching up to their same-age peers by the time they start school.

The NIDCD reported more than 324,000 people worldwide - including about 58,000 adults and 38,000 children in the U.S. - have received a cochlear implant as of December 2012.

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Who is a Candidate for a cochlear implant?

Both children and adults can be candidates for cochlear implants depending upon the hearing loss. Eligibility Candidacy requirements have expanded exponentially because of the ongoing research. The FDA approves candidacy criteria when new devices are brought to market but insurance companies also set criteria of their own. As a result, cochlear implant candidacy is usually determined on a case by case basis. The general candidacy guidelines include the following:

Children

Children with hearing loss as young as 12 months old can be eligible for a cochlear implant. Experts recommend cochlear implantation as early as possible to expose children to sounds during the critical period of language acquisition. After cochlear implant, they must undergo intense speech and language therapy in order to achieve the best possible outcome from the device.

Children are considered viable candidates when they:

Have profound hearing loss in both ears .

. Get little or no benefit through the use of hearing aids.

Are healthy and any medical conditions would not compromise surgery.

Understand (when able), along with their parents, their role in the successful use of cochlear implants.

Have support from an educational program that will emphasize the development of auditory skills.

Adults

Adults may qualify for cochlear implant regardless of whether they lost their hearing before or after learning language. Those adults who developed language before losing their hearing (postlingually deafened) typically have greater success with cochlear implants than those who had not developed language before losing their hearing (prelingually deafened). Adult candidates are generally eligible for a cochlear implant if they:

Have severe or profound hearing loss in both ears.

Get little or no benefit from hearing aids.

Have no medical problems that could put them at risk during surgery.

Have a strong desire to be part of the hearing world and communicate through listening, speaking, and speech reading.

It is very important that the implant recipient (and the family, in the case of a young child) have an understanding of cochlear implants and realistic expectations regarding the use of the device.

Risks and Complications are Associated with Cochlear Implant surgery?

During surgery remaining hearing in the implanted ear may be lost permanently.

Because the surgery is done in the vicinity of the nerve that moves the face, there is a remote possibility that temporary or permanent facial paralysis may occur after surgery.

There is a slight risk that the patient may experience taste disturbances, such as a metallic taste, following cochlear implant surgery.

There is the risk that the surgical site may become infected, which might require removal of the device.

What is the process for getting a cochlear implant in India?

Firstly, a cochlear implant candidate should visit an ENT physician or an audiologist for a referral to a cochlear implant center. In the clinic, the patient has to undergo through audio logical and psychological testing, a medical exam will be conducted to determine that the patient will get benefit from Cochlear Implant or not. Counseling will be done of the patient to make sure he or she understand the large follow up commitment required after the cochlear implant surgery, as well as what to expect regarding device performance and limitations.

If the patient is considered a viable candidate, he or she will undergo the cochlear implant surgery, which is done under general anesthesia. Cochlear implant typically takes around 2 to 4 hours and most people spend one night in the hospital afterward. When they leave the hospital, the person will not be able to hear yet. Although the internal components have been placed, the surgical site must heal before the external device is placed.

About 4 to 6 weeks after the cochlear implant, the patient will return to the cochlear implantation centre to be fitted with an external device. At this time, the audiologist will activate the cochlear implant and begin the process of mapping the processor for the individual's specific needs. When the cochlear implant is "turned on," this is the first time many children and adults are experiencing sound. Whether first hearing a spouse's voice, their own voice, a parent's voice or the audiologist, it's quite an emotional and memorable milestone for the patient or parent.

This first appointment will be followed by other fine-tuning and adjustments to the cochlear implant map as the patient begins his or her new hearing journey. Many individuals need several follow-up visits over a few months to adjust the mapping of the signals to the electrodes, as well as to help the person become accustomed to his or her device. Especially for those who've never heard sound before, an auditory training program is necessary to help the brain learn how to process the new auditory stimulation. Much like hearing aids, individuals will want to schedule regular visits with their audiologist for occasional adjustments and hearing tests.

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Are cochlear implants covered by insurance?

Yes. In many cases, cochlear implants are covered by Medicare and many private and commercial insurers. Coverage can vary widely and patients may still be responsible for significant out-of-pocket costs. Most surgeons who perform cochlear implants have dedicated insurance experts on staff who can help patients understand and navigate individual plans and answer questions. Cochlear implants require a prior authorization in order for insurance to pick up the tab.

What does the future hold for cochlear implants?

Cochlear implants have come a long way in their 40-year history and much advancement remains to be made. Researchers are already looking to make the technology more accessible and the outcomes more consistent. Here's a look into some of the current research on cochlear implants:

There are large-scale studies about children who were implanted very early with cochlear devices. Researchers are interested in which variables account for individual differences in speech and language abilities, academic performance and reading ability among children who use cochlear implants.

More and more individuals are being implanted with bilateral cochlear implants. Researchers are investigating whether two implants make a significant difference in the ability to localize sound and hear speech in the presence of background noise.

Engineers are always investigating new signal processing technologies and improved microphones, as well as new battery technologies for more convenient use.

The NIDCD supports research to enhance the benefits of cochlear implants. Scientists are researching whether using a shortened electrode array, inserted into a portion of the cochlea, for example, it can help individuals whose hearing loss is limited to the higher frequencies while preserving their hearing of lower frequencies. Researchers also are looking at the various benefits of pairing a cochlear implant in one ear with either another cochlear implant or a hearing aid in the other ear.

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What are the benefits of a cochlear implant in India?

Many adults with cochlear implants report that they:

Hear better with a cochlear implant than with a hearing aid

A recent study has shown that people with a cochlear implant achieve an average of 80% sentence understanding, compared with 10% sentence understanding for hearing aids. Cochlear implantation is designed for people with severe to profound hearing loss who derive limited benefits from hearing aids. The speech/language/hearing skills will improve following cochlear implantation. The improvement depends upon many factors.

Benefits for Congenitally Deaf (Pre - Lingual)

It has been proven through statistics that the ability of the brain to process speech, language, and hearing is more during the first three years of life. Cochlear implantation is generally done after the child attains one year of age. If done during this critical period, implantation will help develop near normal speech, language and hearing skills. However, the benefits of cochlear implant depend upon the age of onset of hearing loss, the age of hearing aid fitting, type of therapy received, age of implantation etc. Even after cochlear implantation, the child will need auditory verbal therapy for around two to five years for optimal speech, hearing and language development. If Cochlear Implant is done after the age of six or seven, the benefits are likely to be limited and may have to supplement implant use with lip reading.

Benefits for individuals who have lost Hearing after the acquisition of Speech, Hearing and Language skills (Post Linguals)

If done sufficiently early after losing hearing, cochlear implantation can restore near normal speech perception in post linguals. Results gradually diminish over time as the brain, unless auditorily stimulated, loses its ability to recognize speech. Cochlear Implant should not be delayed after losing hearing especially in meningitis, as the new bone formation in the cochlea (ossification) can impede insertion of the implant.

Benefits for individuals who have lost hearing during the period of Acquisition of Speech and Language (Perilinguals)

The benefits of cochlear implantation in prelingual depend largely on the type / configuration of hearing loss, age of onset of deafness, type of intervention, hearing aid use etc, Audiologist / ENT surgeon should be able to predict this to a reasonable degree of accuracy.

Can focus better when in noisy environments

They find it easier to have conversations with people across meeting tables, in restaurants and other crowded places

Reconnect with missed sounds that they could not hear before their cochlear implant

They feel safer in the world as they can hear alarms, people calling out and approaching vehicles

Talk and hear on the phone

Enjoy music

What factors can affect these benefits from Cochlear Implant in India?

The benefits of cochlear implants are often different for different individuals. These differences are often due to:

how long they have had hearing loss before receiving a cochlear implant

how severe their hearing loss is

the condition of their inner ear

the presence of other medical conditions

How much practice they include in everyday life when using their cochlear implant system.

Early identification and Intervention

There is a growing body of evidence that early identification and management of permanent congenital hearing impairment, prior to two to three months of age, can significantly benefit the child in speech, language & hearing development and the advent of Neonatal Hearing Screening Programme means that such intervention is now possible. Effective screening of hearing loss in newborns and infants is now possible due to the advancement in audiological science.

Late identification of an infant hearing loss is a significant public health problem. Hearing loss is one of the most common major abnormalities present at birth and, if undetected, will impede speech, language, and cognitive development. Significant bilateral hearing loss is present in about 1 to 3 per 1000 newborns. Without screening, children with hearing loss are usually not identified until about 14 months, which results in delays in speech, language, social, cognitive, and emotional development, as well as costs to schools.

Also it is now recognized that early intervention is critical to speech, language and hearing development in hearing impaired infants and children. The hearing loss must be identified before the first two months of age and intervention should begin at least before three months of age for effective outcomes. Available interventions include fitting a hearing aid before six months or performing a cochlear implant as early as one year of age. Selection of the proper plan requires accurate, detailed information about the hearing loss at all frequencies important for speech and language development. Consequently, there is a greater demand for accurate and frequency-specific hearing assessment of these infants.

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Which are the best hospitals available for Cochlear Implant in India?

Some of the best hospitals available for Cochlear Implant Surgery in India are:

The best Hospital available for Cochlear Implant in Delhi is BLK Super Specialty Hospital. It provides Cochlear Implant at very affordable price and cost. The estimated cost of Cochlear Implant in Delhi at BLK Hospital will be an approximate to Rs.15 to 25 Lakhs. The treatments provide here are very cost friendly and the hospital provides all the facilities at a cheaper price. BLK Super Specialty Hospital is a 650 bedded hospital with dedicated 125 critical care beds with over 150 specialists across various super specialties making it one of the best hospitals in Delhi and India.

The best Hospital available for Cochlear Implant in Noida (Uttar Pradesh) is Metro Hospitals & Heart Institute. It provides Cochlear Implant at very affordable price and cost. The estimated cost of Cochlear Implant in Noida at Metro Hospitals & Heart Institute will be an approximate to Rs. 15 to 25 Lakhs. The treatments provide here are very cost friendly and the hospital provides all the facilities at a cheaper price. Metro Hospitals & Heart Institute is a very famous hospital which consists of 300 critical beds and it is one of the premier hospitals in Delhi/NCR and gaining popularity in India.

The best Hospital available for Cochlear Implant in Faridabad (Haryana) is Sarvodaya Hospital. It provides Cochlear Implant at very affordable price and cost. The estimated cost of Cochlear Implant in Faridabad at Sarvodaya Hospital will be an approximate to Rs. 15 to 25 Lakhs. The treatments provide here are very cost friendly and the hospital provides all the facilities at a cheaper price. Sarvodaya Hospital is a 300 Bedded Hospital. It is located in Faridabad (Haryana) and is one of the finest medical institutions.

The best Hospital available for Cochlear Implant in Gurgaon (Haryana) is GNH Hospital. It provides Cochlear Implant at very affordable price and cost. The estimated cost of Cochlear Implant in Gurgaon at GNH Hospital will be an approximate to Rs. 15 to 25 Lakhs. The treatments provide here are very cost friendly and the hospital provides all the facilities at a cheaper price. GNH Hospital which is located in Gurgaon is a 50 bedded multi specialty hospital. It follows medical practices and procedures which are research oriented and benchmarked against the best in India.

The best hospital available for Cochlear Implant in Jaipur (Rajasthan) is Siddham ENT Hospital. It provides Cochlear Implant at very affordable price and cost. The estimated cost of Cochlear Implant in Jaipur (Rajasthan) at Siddham ENT Hospital will be an approximate to Rs. 15 to 25 Lakhs. The treatments provide here are very cost friendly and the hospital provides all the facilities at a cheaper price. Siddham ENT Hospital is a very famous hospital in Jaipur (Rajasthan).

The best Hospital available for Cochlear Implant in Patna (Bihar) is Paras HMRI Hospital. It provides Cochlear Implant at very affordable price and cost. The estimated cost of Cochlear Implant in Patna (Bihar) at Paras HMRI Hospital will be an approximate to Rs. 15 to 25 Lakhs. The treatments provide here are very cost friendly and the hospital provides all the facilities at a cheaper price. Paras HMRI Hospital is the first corporate hospital in Patna (Bihar). The hospital has reasonable health-care facility and experts from many faculties.

The best Hospital available for Cochlear Implant in Chandigarh is PGI Chandigarh. It provides Cochlear Implant at very affordable price and cost. The estimated cost of Cochlear Implant in Chandigarh at PGI Chandigarh will be an approximate to Rs. 15 to 25 Lakhs. The treatments provide here are very cost friendly and the hospital provides all the facilities at a cheaper price.

The best Hospital available for Cochlear Implant in Mohali (Punjab) is Max Super Specialty Hospital. It provides Cochlear Implant at very affordable price and cost. The estimated cost of Cochlear Implant in Mohali (Punjab) at Max Super Specialty Hospital will be an approximate cost to Rs. 15 to 25 Lakhs. The treatments provide here are very cost friendly and the hospital provides all the facilities at a cheaper price. Max Super Specialty Hospital is one of the renowned hospital for Cochlear Implant surgery in India.



The best Hospital available for Cochlear Implant in Mumbai (Maharashtra) is Kokilaben Hospital. It provides Cochlear Implant at very affordable price and cost. The estimated cost of Cochlear Implant in Mumbai (Maharashtra) at Kokilaben Hospital will be an approximate to Rs. 15 to 25 Lakhs. The treatments provide here are very cost friendly and the hospital provides all the facilities at a cheaper price. Kokilaben Hospital is a 750 bedded multi specialty hospital and known for its comprehensive treatments for all major specialties.

Medical Tourism in India

Medical Tourism is a way of connecting patients to world class medical, dental and cosmetic surgery facilities overseas. India is a growing destination for medical tourism, and people from all over the globe are looking to visit India for fulfilling their medical requirements.

Medical Tourism involves travelling abroad to receive world class medical treatment at very affordable rates, as compared to countries like US, UK and Australia. As a result of which, we can see a further rise in Indian medical tourism with each passing day.

Imagine a typical surgical procedure performed in a high class hospital by experienced doctors at a very low price what it usually takes. That's India. From the high quality of treatment, huge range of procedures, buildings and talented doctors to perform any medical procedure with no waiting time, the list of benefits of travelling for medical treatment in India are many.

Lazoi is an online healthcare portal where the patients can easily come and book their appointments irrespective of their location. We are having Best ENT surgeons in India who always remains ready to work for the welfare of the patients.

Domestic patients can be treated across all over India they have the flexibility to choose the location where they would like to have their treatment done. The patients who come from out of the country or the international patients are provided with medical care in the metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and many more.

Quality of care is what attracts people. However, the quality services provided to the patients should not be excess than the patient's affordability. If quality comes at an affordable cost, it is an unbeatable advantage. This combination of getting best quality and low cost advantage is very unique for India.

We are joined with various JCI-accredited hospitals and medical centers that are known for offering the best and the efficient healthcare services. International patients can get the benefit of having affordable medical treatments in India along with the use of state of the art technology, treatment at trusted hospitals, quality infrastructure and special personalized care.

If you are an international patient and you had gone through medical treatment in India, you will get the facility of having second opinion with the doctor in the mode as you like which will be provided by us. You can ask an online query, get tele-consultation with the doctor or you can have an online video consultation. This helps in saving the travel time of the international patients.

We act as a bridge and provide various facilities to the patients as well as the doctors. This is because patients do not have the access of doctors. Lazoi is a formal and a high reputed organization which is trusted by many. Beware of misguiding agents which further can harm you and may also take huge amount of money.

What is the cost of Cochlear Implant in India?

The average cost of cochlear implant in India will cost around Rs. 20 lakhs.

The average cost of Cochlear Implant in India is very low as compared to the other countries.