Hearing Aids

Cochlear Implants

A Cochlear implant is a different type of hearing aid that can help people with severe and profound hearing loss to hear, often when they are not getting sufficient benefit from a standard hearing aid.  

How do Cochlear Implants work?

They consist of an internal surgically implanted part, and an external part, made up of a microphone and a processor, which is usually worn over the ear like a hearing aid. Rather than sending sound through the middle ear and to the damaged inner ear of someone with hearing loss, like a standard hearing aid, a cochlear implant bypasses the inner ear and sends an electrical signal directly to the hearing nerve and on to the brain.  

Who can use Cochlear Implants?

Cochlear implants can be fitted to children or adults with severe to profound hearing loss. There are specific criteria to meet to be considered for an implant. If your hearing loss meets the criteria for a referral for a cochlear implant assessment, your audiologist will discuss this with you at your clinic appointment. If you have any further questions about cochlear implants, please do not hesitate to contact us.  

Learn more about Cochlear Implants

The following link gives more information about Cochlear implants and the West of England Hearing Implant Programme:  https://www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/your-hospitals/other-services-in-bristol/west-of-england-hearing-implant-programme/