Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants

What is the difference between a hearing aid and a cochlear implant, and when is each device the appropriate treatment option?

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are digital devices meant to help individuals with hearing loss by amplifying sounds in the environment, making them more easily heard. A microphone on the body of the hearing aid picks up the sound in the environment, then a computer chip that is inside the hearing aid processes the sound and determines how much volume is needed for each specific frequency (pitch) that is included in the sound it received. The computer chip then adds the specific volume needed based on individual’s hearing loss and sends the signal to a speaker in the hearing aid. The speaker then releases the modified sound and that is what is heard by the individual wearing the hearing aid.

There are several styles of hearing aids including Behind The Ear (BTE), Receiver In Canal (RIC), and In The Ear (ITE). Hearing aids can be fit to individuals with hearing losses ranging from a mild loss to a severe loss. However, for some individuals hearing aids are not enough. There are times when the severity of hearing loss exceeds the amount of volume a hearing aid can provide. There are other times when an individual has difficulty understanding speech even while wearing hearing aids. In these cases, it is time to consider the use of a cochlear implant.

Cochlear Implants

A Cochlear Implant (CI) is a surgically implanted device that changes acoustical sounds into electrical information to directly stimulate the auditory nerve. A portion of the device sits on the ear to capture sound in the environment, then the computer chip inside processes the signal. The signal is then sent to the portion of the device that sits below the skin and sends information down the electrode in the cochlea that stimulates the auditory nerve.

Cochlear Implants are to be used by individuals who do not receive benefit while using hearing aids. This may include individuals who were born deaf or individuals who have had increases in hearing loss over several years. Audiologists use the 60/60 rule to determine if a patient should be evaluated for a CI. The 60/60 rule refers to a patient having hearing thresholds at or greater than 60 dB and a word understanding at or poorer than 60%. If a patient goes through a CI evaluation and are deemed a candidate they then meet with an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) surgeon who discusses the surgical process with them.

If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and aren’t sure where to get started, schedule an appointment with our Audiologist today!

Hailey Long, Au.D.

Audiologist