Hearing Aids vs Cochlear Implants

There are many different types of hearing aids on the market, but what about cochlear implants? What’s the difference between the two? I’m Dr. Amy, a Doctor of Audiology and expert on hearing loss treatment. Both devices are treatment options for hearing loss, but there are specific points to know when considering one versus the other. I’ve treated many patients with hearing aids as well as cochlear implants. In this blog post, we will discuss the key differences between hearing aids vs cochlear implants. We will also talk about who might benefit from each type of device.

Ultimate Guide to Hearing Aids

What Are Hearing Aids?

Traditional hearing aids are small electronic devices that work by improving sense of hearing for those with hearing loss through enhancement of the acoustic signal. A hearing aid uses a microphone and internal parts to pick up sound signals and send an appropriate volume to the ear based on an audiogram or hearing prescription.

Starting in October 2022, a hearing device for mild to moderate hearing loss can even be purchased over-the-counter thanks to a new ruling by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Read more about tinnitus relief here.

Who Can Benefit from Hearing Aids?

Digital hearing aids are a good option for those with mild to even profound hearing loss. A health care provider, such as an audiologist, should first perform a hearing test to determine the level of hearing loss as well as the type of hearing loss. Hearing healthcare professionals can then recommend the best type of hearing aid for the individual.

Those with conductive hearing loss or mixed hearing loss can also benefit from a hearing aid or hearing device. This type of hearing loss comes from portions of the ear that stop sound from getting to the inner ear, or cochlea. The good news is that increasing volume for this type of hearing loss is very effective because the auditory signal won’t be distorted by turning up the volume, as is the case with a damaged cochlea.

However, in cases with chronic ear infections, a device blocking the ear canal may exacerbate existing middle ear infections. In this case, bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHAs) may be the best option. A BAHA is a type of hearing aid that has a titanium bone implant which attaches to an external piece behind the ear.

The appropriate styles of hearing aids will also be determined by the degree of hearing loss, as well as personal preference. There are many different types of hearing aids on the market, from behind-the-ear (BTE) to in-the-canal (ITC) devices. You may be wondering, is there one best hearing aid?

The Best Hearing Aid Brands in 2023

Actually, there are several great hearing aids that can work for most people. The best hearing aids come from the top six hearing aid manufacturers: Phonak, GN Resound, Oticon, Signia, Widex, and Starkey. Each hearing aid comes in different levels of technology, which determines how sophisticated the computer chip on the inside is in terms of help in background noise.

What Are Cochlear Implants?

A cochlear implant is a device that are surgically implanted into the ear for those with sensorineural hearing loss. They work by transmitting sound signals electrically directly to the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged portion of the inner ear. This allows people with hearing loss to hear sounds that they would not be able to hear with a hearing aid. Cochlear implants can have profound impact on quality of life, allowing those with severe hearing loss or profound hearing loss to understand speech and communicate.

A cochlear implant has several parts: an internal component and an external component. The internal component with an electrode array is inserted into the inner ear with a cochlear implant surgery done under general anesthesia.

Once in place, the internal processor will be able to transmit sound signal directly to the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged hair cells and part of the inner ear that no longer functions.

The external piece of the cochlear implant, called a speech processor, attaches to the head with a magnet. This device picks up sound waves or sound signals and sends the sound to the internal component that then sends electrical signals to the hearing nerve, then ultimately up to the brain.

For those with severe cases of hearing loss who no longer receives adequate benefit from traditional hearing aids, cochlear implants can be life-changing technology. However, it is important to note that this is not a quick fix.

The process for hearing with a cochlear implant involves a medical exam, audiological work-up, and the recipient must meet certain criteria and be eligible for surgery. There are also regular follow-up appointment visits and a rehabilitation process involved as well.

Who Can Benefit from Cochlear Implants?

People of all ages with significant hearing loss can enjoy the benefits of cochlear implants. This is an intervention that is even available for infants from six months of age. Young children who fail a newborn hearing screening may go on for other hearing evaluation, such as an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test to determine the degree of hearing loss.

Early detection and intervention gives children the chance to learn to hear and benefit from language skills and speech understanding during normal development. The optimal period for children with profound deafness to be implanted is before age one.

Adults can also benefit from hearing loss that develops later in life. Cochlear implant technology has come a long way in the last several decades, and can be the better option for those with great hearing impairment. Hearing loss due to old age, called presbycusis, typically results in damage to the high frequencies first.

This is the same kind of hearing loss that occurs with noise exposure over time, called sensorineural hearing loss. Cochlear implants can be beneficial for those who have this type of hearing loss and no longer receive adequate benefit from traditional hearing aids.

Hearing Aids vs Cochlear Implants: What to Know

There are a few key differences between hearing aids vs cochlear implants. Hearing aids amplify sound, while cochlear implants bypass the damaged portion of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. A cochlear implant allows those with hearing loss to hear sounds that they would not be able to hear with a hearing aid. For those with significant hearing loss, healthy enough for surgery, and willing to undergo aural rehabilitation, a cochlear implant can make a great difference.

A cochlear implant is not for everyone, but if you or a loved one has significant hearing loss, it may be worth exploring this option with a qualified audiologist or ENT. Whether to pursue cochlear implants vs hearing aids is a personal decision. A cochlear implant can make a world of difference, but it’s important to make a well-informed decision about a cochlear implant that works best for your lifestyle and needs.

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