Accidents happen every day in Louisiana, with data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) indicating 1,673 serious injuries were sustained on the state’s roadways in 2021. From motor vehicle accidents to workplace accidents and accidents caused by defective products, victims are at risk of sustaining severe injuries, including hearing loss.
If you lost your hearing after an accident, you may require assistive devices to help with hearing. Seeking medical advice is the best course of action if you are seeking to restore your hearing. But first, let’s delve into whether cochlear implants can restore hearing to accident victims in Louisiana.
What Is a Cochlear Implant?
Cochlear implants are small electronic devices that improve hearing. These devices don’t restore hearing but improve one’s ability to hear sounds and understand speech. Unlike hearing aids that amplify sounds, cochlear implants bypass damaged ear parts to relay sound signals to the auditory nerve.
Cochlear implants are surgically inserted under the skin, with the external part resting behind the ear. The external part of the implant consists of:
- A microphone to pick up sound
- A speech processor that sorts sounds coming into the ear
- A transmitter that converts the signals into electric impulses
The implant’s internal part consists of electrodes that extend into the cochlea. The electrodes intercept impulses from the transmitter to stimulate neurons in the cochlea, creating signals that the brain picks up.
What Is the Difference Between Cochlear Implants and Standard Hearing Aids?
Cochlear implants are quite different from hearing aids, although people with hearing loss use both devices. Here are the key differences between the devices:
- Cochlear implants transmit sound signals through an electrode array, relying on the brain’s ability to interpret signals.
- Hearing aids make sounds louder; they rely on one’s natural hearing ability.
- Cochlear implants aim to replace the role of the cochlea.
- Cochlear implants are surgically implanted, while hearing aids are not.
- Hearing aids are ideal for mild or moderate hearing loss.
- Cochlear implants are suitable for severe hearing loss and loss of speech understanding.
Who Uses Cochlear Implants?
You don’t have to have profound hearing loss to benefit from cochlear implants. A cochlear implant may be suitable for you if you have:
- Hearing loss in one or both ears
- Normal hearing for low pitches that drops off to severe hearing loss
- Trouble understanding speech even with properly fitted hearing aids
- No medical conditions that increase surgery risks
- Not enjoyed the benefits of using hearing aids
An audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon can determine whether a cochlear implant is the right device for you.
What Factors Affect the Success of Cochlear Implants?
Hearing loss is different for every accident victim who experiences it. For some, hearing aids deliver outstanding results, while others require cochlear implants to improve hearing. Here are the factors that determine the success of implantation:
- How long you’ve had hearing loss
- How old you were when you had hearing loss
- Whether the hearing loss was sudden or gradual
- Whether you’ve consistently used hearing aids before
- How old you were when you received the implant
- Whether you participate in therapy
- How quick you are to learn
- The cochlear implant being used
- The structure and health of your cochlea
What Risks Are Associated With Cochlear Implants?
All surgeries have risks, including those associated with infection and general anesthesia. The benefits of cochlear implants for accident victims with hearing loss far outweigh the risks. These risks include:
- Nerve damage: In rare cases, surgery damages nerves in the ear near the spot where a surgeon needs to place the device.
- Loss of residual hearing: Cochlear implant surgery may damage your cochlear hair cells and affect your residual hearing.
- Facial paralysis: The facial nerve that passes through the ear is responsible for the movement of facial muscles. An injury to the nerve may cause temporary or permanent paralysis of the face on the same side as the implant.
- Meningitis: Individuals with abnormal inner ear structures are at higher risk of developing meningitis.
- Vertigo: Since the cochlea helps with balance, surgery may affect one’s sense of balance.
Other possible complications associated with the use of cochlear implants are:
- Numbness around the ear
- Cerebrospinal fluid leakage
- Changes in taste
- Reparative granuloma
- Perilymph fluid leak
- Inability to understand language
- Failure of device
- Irritation
The risks and complications involved in cochlear implants vary from case to case. If you experience any issues with your device after implantation, seek immediate medical attention.
How Long Does It Take Before Hearing Improves?
After cochlear implant surgery, it may take some time for you to notice significant changes. That’s because your brain needs time to adapt to receiving information from your hearing nerve about the sounds and noises in your surroundings.
In general, hearing improves in about a month, though in some cases, it takes up to six months for patients to attain their full potential. Consistently participating in hearing therapy and practice, wearing cochlear implants anytime you are awake, and wearing them for the appropriate amount of time can hasten this process.
How Much Do Cochlear Implants Cost?
The total cost of a cochlear implant, including the device, surgery expenses, and rehabilitation, ranges from $50,000 to $100,000. Over time, you may need to replace cochlear implant parts, such as magnets or microphones.
Lost Hearing After an Accident? Cochlear Implants Can Help
If hearing aids can’t improve your hearing or you experience profound hearing loss that standard hearing aids can’t fix, you might be an excellent candidate for cochlear implant surgery. However, it’s crucial to seek medical advice first to see if it’s the right fit for your condition.
It’s also essential to seek the advice of an experienced hearing loss attorney specializing in personal injury cases if your hearing loss resulted from an accident caused by negligence. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal processes involved in insurance claims as they push for fair compensation that covers all damages related to your condition.
