Why choose Geisinger for cochlear implants?
A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that bypasses the damaged part of the ear and works directly with the auditory nerve, helping you hear sounds, speech and even music. When a hearing aid isn’t providing enough benefit, a cochlear implant can help you or your child hear the world differently.
After getting a referral from your primary care provider, your cochlear implant team will include an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, audiologist and other specialists. They’ll work with you from your first evaluation through surgery and rehabilitation.
With hundreds of successful cochlear implant surgeries performed every year right here in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, you won’t have to travel far to get specialized care.
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FAQs
What's a cochlear implant?
A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that helps people with severe to profound hearing loss hear sounds. It has 2 parts: an internal piece placed under the skin during surgery and an external sound processor worn behind the ear.
Unlike a hearing aid, which makes sounds louder, a cochlear implant bypasses the damaged parts of the inner ear and sends sound signals directly to the auditory nerve. From there, your brain learns to recognize the signals as sound.
How long does cochlear implant surgery take?
Cochlear implant surgery usually takes about 2 to 4 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Most people go home the same day or stay 1 night in the hospital.
The surgery itself is just a step in the cochlear implant process. After surgery, you’ll wait about 3 to 6 weeks for the area to heal before an audiologist activates, or turns on, the device. After activation, you’ll have follow-up appointments to fine-tune the implant’s settings. Most people continue these appointments for several months to a year before moving to yearly checkups.
Your care team will help you through every step, including understanding what to expect during recovery and how to care for your implant.
What’s the difference between a hearing aid and a cochlear implant?
Hearing aids amplify sounds, making noise louder so you can hear better. They work well for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
A cochlear implant doesn’t amplify sound. Instead, it bypasses the damaged parts of the inner ear and sends signals directly to the auditory nerve, which carries them to your brain.
Many people start with hearing aids and move to a cochlear implant later if their hearing loss progresses. Your audiologist can help you understand which option fits your needs.
Do I need a referral to get cochlear implants?
Cochlear implant care at Geisinger
Your cochlear implant team is with you before, during and after surgery. Here’s what you’ll find:
- A multidisciplinary team: Your care includes an ENT doctor, audiologist and other specialists, all working together to evaluate, perform surgery and support your adjustment to the device.
- Personalized care and support: Our team works with you and your family to decide if a cochlear implant is the right choice. After surgery, we help you or your child adjust to the new device through activation, programming and ongoing support.
- Care close to home: With locations where we perform hundreds of successful cochlear implant surgeries in central and northeastern Pennsylvania each year, you can stay close to your family and care team throughout the process.