What is a cochlear implant?

June 10, 2024

A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device used when hearing aids are no longer the best option for a patient. When people lose their hearing, it is not simply that they cannot hear soft sounds anymore. Often times, patients also begin to experience a decrease in the clarity of speech even when it is loud enough for them to hear.


To understand what a cochlear implant is, it is first important to understand how we hear. Sound travels down our ear canal. It then hits our ear drum which vibrates the three tiniest bones in the human body called the ossicles. The final ossicle, the stapes, sits on a membrane attached to our cochlea, which is our hearing organ. The cochlea is filled with fluid and tiny hair cells. When the ossicles move, they send waves through the fluid in the cochlea which moves the hair cells like seaweed in the ocean. When the hair cells move, they send an electrical signal down our hearing nerve to our brain and we hear sound!


When we have hearing loss, these hair cells start to bend, break, or disappear altogether. When the hair cells are not as healthy as they once were, we require louder sounds to excite the hair cells enough to send a signal to our hearing nerve which is why we use hearing aids. Depending on the level of damage to the hair cells, we may not be able to make the sounds loud enough anymore to excite the hair cells or the hair cells may be broken in a way that the sound is not clear enough to understand anymore even when it is loud enough.


Enter the cochlear implant. The cochlear implant has two pieces. One that is surgically placed under the skin and another that sits on the outside and is removeable by the patient. The internal piece is placed by an ear, nose, and throat physician. The internal piece has a magnet, a receiver, and an electrode array. The magnet and receiver are slipped between the skin and the skull. The electrode array is placed inside of the cochlea. Cochlear implantation is not reversible. When this electrode array is placed, the physician may damage the remaining hair cells within the cochlea causing further hearing loss. This will not affect how the cochlear implant woks or impact success with the cochlear implant.


After surgery and a healing period, the patient will return to the office to be fit with the outside piece of their cochlear implant. This outside piece is called a processor. It has microphones on it similar to a hearing aid to pick up the sounds of the world. The sound is converted to an electronic signal in the processor and it is sent down a cable to the coil. The coil sends this signal through the skin to the internal receiver via radio signal. The signal travels down the internal piece to the electrode array where an electrical signal is sent out through your cochlea to the hearing nerve and then you hear. The cochlear implant works by acting as a replacement for the hair cells inside of your cochlea that no longer work.


A cochlear implant is a completely different way of hearing than how we hear naturally. It is an electric version of hearing instead of acoustic. Because of this, it can take time for your brain to make sense of the new signal that it is receiving. When a cochlear implant is turned on for the first time, some patients only hear beeps and squeaks. Other patients hear words, but they sound like robots, aliens, or Mickey Mouse. Everyone’s experience is unique. The more time spent listening with the implant, the faster the brain can put together the puzzle pieces and begin to better understand speech. Your audiologist will give you listening exercises that you are able to perform on your own to help rehabilitate your ear.



In adults, typically cochlear implants are only placed in one ear. The other ear will remain as it was prior to surgery. Patients continue to use a hearing aid in that ear just as they did before. The brain works to combine the electric signal from the cochlear implant and the acoustic signal from the non-implanted ear to create a more natural sound quality for the patient.

 

 

 

Dr. Emma Strong, Au.D., CCC-A

Protect Your Hearing: Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and the Importance of Hearing Protection

October 17, 2024
Hearing loss is often associated with aging, but did you know that exposure to loud noises can also significantly impact your hearing? Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a prevalent yet preventable condition that affects many individuals, particularly those exposed to loud environments without adequate protection. As audiologists committed to your hearing health, we believe it's crucial to raise awareness about NIHL and emphasize the importance of using hearing protection. What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)? Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when the delicate structures of the inner ear are damaged by prolonged exposure to loud noises or by sudden, intense sounds. This damage can be temporary or permanent, and typically affects high-frequency hearing first, gradually progressing to lower frequencies if exposure continues. Common Causes of NIHL Exposure to loud noises in various settings can contribute to NIHL, including: Occupational Noise: Industries such as construction, manufacturing, and entertainment (e.g., musicians, DJs) expose workers to high levels of noise. Recreational Activities: Activities like hunting, shooting sports, motorcycling, and attending concerts or sporting events can subject individuals to hazardous noise levels. Personal Listening Devices: Listening to music at high volumes through headphones or earbuds can also lead to NIHL over time. The Importance of Hearing Protection Preventing NIHL starts with protecting your ears in noisy environments. Here’s why hearing protection is essential: Preserving Your Hearing: Once hearing is damaged, it cannot be restored. Using hearing protection helps preserve your hearing abilities for the long term. Maintaining Quality of Life: Hearing loss can impact communication, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Protecting your hearing ensures you can continue to enjoy these aspects fully. Legal Requirements: Many workplaces require employees to use hearing protection in noisy environments to comply with occupational health and safety regulations. Types of Hearing Protection There are various types of hearing protection available to suit different needs and preferences: Earplugs: These fit snugly into the ear canal and are available in disposable foam, reusable silicone, or custom-molded options. Earmuffs: These cover the entire ear and provide a seal against external noise. They are adjustable and often preferred in high-noise environments. Custom Hearing Protection: Audiologists can create custom-molded earplugs or earmolds tailored to fit your ears perfectly for optimal comfort and protection. Tips for Using Hearing Protection Effectively To ensure maximum effectiveness of hearing protection: Choose the Right Type: Select hearing protection appropriate for the noise level and duration of exposure. Proper Fit: Ensure earplugs or earmuffs fit snugly and comfortably to create a seal against noise. Wear Consistently: Wear hearing protection consistently in noisy environments, even if exposure is occasional or intermittent. Monitor Noise Levels: Use apps or devices to monitor noise levels and gauge when hearing protection is necessary. Seeking Professional Guidance If you suspect you may have been exposed to harmful noise levels or are unsure about the effectiveness of your hearing protection, consult with an audiologist. We can assess your hearing health, provide personalized advice on hearing protection, and offer custom solutions to meet your needs. Conclusion Protecting your hearing is vital for maintaining a high quality of life and preventing avoidable hearing loss. By understanding the risks of noise-induced hearing loss and using appropriate hearing protection, you can safeguard your hearing abilities for years to come. At Becker Audiology, we are dedicated to helping you protect and preserve your hearing. Contact us today to learn more about our hearing protection solutions and schedule a consultation with one of our experienced audiologists. Take action today to protect your hearing—it's an investment in your future wellbeing. Dr. Ryan Becker, Au.D.

Product Spotlight: Starkey SoundGear Phantom

September 13, 2024
Living life to the fullest for many individuals involves activities that can be potentially hazardous to your hearing. At Becker Audiology, we offer a range of hearing protection products to keep your ears safe. Today’s product spotlight introduces you to a revolutionary solution in hearing protection and enhancement: the Starkey SoundGear Phantom. Designed with cutting-edge technology and precision engineering, the SoundGear Phantom offers a unique blend of protection, comfort, and clarity for individuals in various environments. What is Starkey SoundGear Phantom? The SoundGear Phantom is an advanced hearing protection device that combines state-of-the-art digital sound processing with customizable fit and comfort. Whether you're an avid hunter, a passionate musician, or someone who works in noisy environments, SoundGear Phantom provides the ultimate solution for preserving your hearing while enhancing your auditory experience. Key Features and Benefits Digital Sound Processing: The SoundGear Phantom uses digital technology to analyze and process incoming sounds in real-time. This allows it to amplify safe sounds and conversations while automatically reducing dangerous noise levels to protect your hearing. Customizable Fit: Each SoundGear Phantom device is custom-molded to fit your ear perfectly. This not only ensures maximum comfort but also optimizes the effectiveness of noise reduction and sound enhancement. Automatic Noise Reduction: It features intelligent noise reduction algorithms that detect and suppress harmful noise levels, providing a quieter, safer environment without compromising your ability to hear essential sounds. SoundGear Phantom comes with a 22 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). Enhanced Communication: Unlike traditional earplugs or earmuffs, the SoundGear Phantom maintains clarity of speech and natural sound perception. This makes it ideal for situations where communication is crucial, such as in hunting, shooting sports, or professional settings. Rechargeable Technology: The SoundGear Phantom is equipped with rechargeable batteries, offering extended use on a single charge. This eco-friendly feature ensures convenience and sustainability. Bluetooth Connectivity: SoundGear Phantom offers Bluetooth connectivity to Apple and Android devices allowing you to stream phone calls, music or other audio wirelessly from your phone. Applications of SoundGear Phantom Hunting and Shooting Sports: Protects your hearing from gunfire while allowing you to hear game movements and conversations with fellow hunters. Musician and Concert-Goers: Enhances musical clarity while safeguarding against high decibel levels during performances. Industrial and Occupational Use: Provides reliable hearing protection in noisy workplaces while maintaining awareness of surroundings and communication with colleagues. Why Choose SoundGear Phantom? Proven Performance: Backed by Starkey's reputation for innovation and quality, the SoundGear Phantom delivers consistent performance and reliability in challenging environments. Customizable Solutions: Each device is tailored to your ear anatomy, ensuring a secure fit and personalized experience. Professional Support: As authorized providers of Starkey products, our team at Becker Audiology offers expert guidance and support to help you select and integrate the SoundGear Phantom into your lifestyle seamlessly. Conclusion Experience the future of hearing protection and enhancement with the Starkey SoundGear Phantom. Whether you're seeking reliable protection in loud environments or looking to enhance your auditory experience without compromising on safety, SoundGear Phantom offers unmatched performance and comfort.  Visit Becker Audiology to learn more about the SoundGear Phantom and schedule a consultation with one of our audiologists. Discover how this innovative technology can protect and enhance your hearing in various aspects of your life. Invest in your hearing health with SoundGear Phantom—because every sound matters.

What is Tinnitus?

September 4, 2024
Tinnitus is any sound that you hear in your ear or ears that is not present in your external environment. This sound can range from ringing to roaring to humming even to music, for some people. No matter how it sounds to you, if you hear it but it’s not in your surroundings, it is tinnitus. According to the National Institute of Health, tinnitus is present in about 26% of the adult population. This makes tinnitus the most common health condition within the United States. While many people have tinnitus, a much smaller percentage of people find their tinnitus to be bothersome in a way that it interferes in their everyday life. When that is the case, we recommend a tinnitus evaluation and management strategies. During our initial tinnitus evaluation, we aim to educate you about your tinnitus and to create an individualized management program surrounding where your tinnitus is affecting you the most.  The most typical cause of tinnitus is hearing loss. Tinnitus is often a benign body sound that is produced as a way for our bodies to say “Hey! I have some hearing loss.” Just like your stomach grumbling to let you know that you’re hungry. Although, at times it may not feel so benign in our bodies. While hearing loss may be the most common culprit of tinnitus, tinnitus can be made worse by two main factors: stress and fatigue. Of course, telling someone to just relax and sleep more is not very helpful and much easier said than done which is where our management strategies come in. While there is no known cure for tinnitus at this time, NO CURE DOES NOT MEAN NO HELP. If your tinnitus is affecting your quality of life, give us a call today to schedule an appointment to learn more about your tinnitus and how we can help you better manage it.
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