There is finally hope for individuals with hearing impairment for whom hearing aids have not worked. The hybrid ear implant is a breakthrough device that offers a better hearing experience to people who have proven to not be a good candidate for a hearing aid.
Generally speaking, if a person experiences a slow and progressive type of hearing loss and then receives a hearing aid, it isn’t a final solution. This is largely due to the fact that a hearing aid merely amplifies the sound that the ear is hearing. However, if an individual has difficulty comprehending what is being said when listening to speech with this type of hearing loss, a hearing aid will not work because it only makes the incomprehensible even
louder.
In addition, not every person with hearing loss is a good candidate for better solutions such as the Cochlear ear implant, a surgically implanted device that enables deaf individuals to hear. To that end, there is the hybrid ear implant. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the spring of 2014, and is essentially a combination of a regular hearing aid and the Cochlear ear implant. This combination makes for a better overall hearing experience for individuals with certain types of hearing loss so that they are able to better hear what they need to when there is music or background noise present, such as in restaurants or at parties.
Have Questions About Hearing Loss? Call: 1‐855‐210‐1555
The hybrid ear implant differentiates itself from other types of ear implants because it is made up of a processor that absorbs sound and transforms it into electrical activity, which is then sent to the inner ear. This piece is held in place with a magnet, which means that if the person is swimming, showering or going to sleep, they can remove both the magnet and implant.
The hearing technology is truly groundbreaking and should prove to be extremely valuable to many people suffering from hearing loss. There is a requirement prior to receiving surgery for the hybrid implant in the form of a meningitis vaccine. The implant may cost as high as $50,000 and insurance coverage to pay for it depends on your plan and other factors. A possible side effect to consider is that the face might droop on the side where the device is implanted.
Written by Hearing Planet