Hearing Aids Vs. Cochlear Implants: The Key Differences You Should Know

The ability to hear is one of the essential basic skills of life. It determines a person’s quality of relationships both in personal and professional lives.

Life can be tricky sometimes. Hearing loss or hard of hearing resulting from an accident or a health issue can turn one’s world upside down.

But they can find alternatives in hearing aids and cochlear implants, thanks to the advanced medical technologies in the ENT region.

This blog sheds light on both these alternatives along with the critical differences between them. Read along.

Hearing Aids: Here is What You Should Know

Hearing aids for children and adults are tiny electronic devices designed to amplify the sound coming into the ear.

Ideal for people with mild to moderate hearing loss that is majorly observed in children, the hearing aids consist of three major parts.

1. Microphone - Receive sound waves and converts them into electrical signals
2. Amplifier - Enhances or magnifies the electrical signals
3. Speaker - Turns the magnified signals into sound and sends them into the ear

The new type of more enhanced hearing aid is coming into the market every year with advancing technology.

Types of Hearing Aids

Different hearing aids feature different sound profiles that can be adjusted based on the outside environment.

Depending on the style of the aid, there are three types - behind the ear (BTE), completely in the ear canal, and receiver in the ear.

Cochlear Implants: Here is What You Should Know

The cochlea is a part of the inner ear responsible for transforming sound into a neural message that reaches the brain.

Those who have sensorineural hearing loss need artificial devices that play the role of the cochlea. The cochlear implants are surgically placed behind the ear, below the skin, connecting the cochlea and the implants via the electrodes.

The sound signals bypass the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve while causing the sensation of sound. The implants consist of three major parts.

1. Microphone - It picks up sound and sends it to the processor
2. Processer - Consists of a transmitter and receiver, it converts sound into electric impulses
3. Electrode Array - Collects the impulses and feeds the auditory nerve, which transmits the signals to the brain to process the sound

Cochlear implants are complicated in terms of structure and the way they function. People who have lost hearing due to diabetes, excessive sound exposure, and head injuries are qualified for these implants.

Bone Anchored Hearing System (BAHS): Another Potential Alternative

Apart from hearing aids and cochlear implants, BAHS is employed in the cases of people who have at least one fully functioning ear. It is a conductive hearing loss but occurred only in one ear.

Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants: The Key Differences

There are a few differences between these two hearing technologies, but they share the same purpose - enabling the individual to perceive sound better and restore their communication ability.

1. Structure: Hearing aids follow a simple mechanism and functionality, whereas cochlear implants are more advanced and complex.
2. Ease of use: Cochlear implants require surgery, and hearing aids are a simple fix. Hearing aids can be removed and fixed even by children with practice.
3. Suitability: Hearing aids are used for mild to moderate hearing loss because of their ability to amplify sound. Cochlear implants are best suited for people with severe hearing loss.
4. Improvement: Some testing results indicate that hearing aids enhance the person’s ability to hear and communicate by 50%. The same is the case with cochlear implants.
5. Adaptability: Hearing aids take two or less than two weeks for the child or adult to adapt. Cochlear implants take anywhere between 6 to 12 months. It is more than 12 months in some cases.
6. Risk: Hearings aids come with zero risk. Cochlear implants entertain low to moderate risk as it involves surgery.
7. Cost-effectiveness: The cost of hearing aids range from anywhere between 5000 to 50000 in India. However, cochlear implants in India can cost between 3 to 6 lakhs. The cost, again, depends on various factors, including levels of hearing loss, the city, and the surgeon.

Hearing aid selection is a critical process and involves the careful evaluation of various aspects of hearing loss. Consult your ENT specialist or book an appointment with the best ENT hospital near you for better assessment. 

If you still have questions about hearing aids and cochlear implants, we have collected and furnished a few of the most frequently asked questions below. Read on.

Is there an age limit for hearing aids and cochlear implants?

No, there is no age limit for both hearing loss treatments. However, cochlear implant treatment is ultimately your doctor’s call.

Which one is right for you - a hearing aid or cochlear implant? 

That is a question that could be answered only by a qualified ENT specialist or an otolaryngologist. Consult your doctor to make a better decision.

Vikram ENT is one of the best ENT hospitals in Coimbatore. Get world-class solutions for all your hearing-related issues. Book an appointment today.