Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: What’s the Difference?

Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two distinct options for addressing hearing loss, with hearing aids being the more common and versatile choice. Hearing aids are small, wearable devices that amplify sound, making them suitable for various degrees of hearing challenges. They are non-invasive, fit comfortably inside or behind the ear, and can be adjusted to individual hearing needs. Additionally, hearing aids are a cost-effective solution, often covered by insurance, and can significantly improve speech comprehension and overall sound perception.

While cochlear implants are an essential option for the most profound hearing loss cases, hearing aids remain the go-to choice for the majority of individuals with hearing difficulties, providing them with a practical and efficient means of enhancing their hearing capabilities.

Hearing Aids vs. Cochlear Implants: The Basics

Hearing aids, commonly recommended by your HIS, are non-surgical devices that amplify sounds and improve the overall listening experience for individuals with hearing loss. You can also find hearing aids that are available over-the-counter in popular stores. We strongly recommend working with a HIS to ensure you receive the best correction suited to your hearing loss level and your lifestyle.

Individuals remove their hearing aids at the end of the day for cleaning and charging purposes — for rechargeable devices.

Cochlear implants, on the other hand, are surgically implanted electronic devices that directly stimulate the auditory nerve. They require surgery, making the process much more complex and invasive than receiving a pair of hearing aids. They remain implanted until you undergo another surgery to have the implants removed. Cochlear implants are typically recommended for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who would not benefit from traditional hearing aids.

Using Hearing Aids vs Cochlear Implants

Hearing aids come in various styles and models, including in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-canal (ITC) devices. These allow for personalized choices that respect individual preferences and can tackle different severity of hearing loss.

One of the key advantages of hearing aids is that they are suitable for a wide range of hearing loss, from mild to profound. Hearing aids work by picking up sounds through a microphone, processing the signals and delivering amplified sound to the ear through a speaker.

This technology enables individuals with hearing loss to hear more clearly in everyday situations, whether they are watching TV, enjoying music or catching up with friends. By comparison, cochlear implants present much limited correction functionalities. The implants are most effective for individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, particularly to individuals whose hearing health would prevent benefitting from hearing aids.

The reason for this is that cochlear implants do not use the hearing system inside the ear. The implants bypass the damaged parts of the ear and provide direct electrical stimulation to the auditory nerve. As a result, sound signals are transmitted to the brain.

Hearing Aids Customization vs Cochlear Implants

Hearing aids are highly customizable. The HIS can adjust the settings based on the specific needs and preferences of the wearer. As there are different forms of hearing loss, hearing aids can be specifically programmed to amplify only certain frequencies, such as for hearing loss patients who experience difficulties only with low frequencies.

Hearing aids can also enhance speech understanding in challenging listening environments, such as a crowded or loud space. They bring features such as background noise cancelation, ensuring the wearer can focus on the conversation rather than the surrounding noises. They also use multidirectional microphones, which allows the device to pick up the conversation instead of the background sounds.

<p>Additionally, nowadays <a href=”https://belcherhearing.com/hearing-aids/”>modern hearing aids</a> often include advanced features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless integration with smartphones and other devices. Tech-savvy wearers can also switch functions and programs directly via an app for immediate results, which means they can adapt in real time to their changing environments.</p>

Comparatively speaking, cochlear implants require a surgical procedure performed by a surgeon. The implant consists of an external microphone, speech processor, transmitter and an internal receiver and electrode array that are surgically placed under the skin. There is no room for customization in the way hearing aids provide real-time adaptability.

In fact, more often than not, individuals undergoing the surgery need a period of rehabilitation and auditory training to adapt to the new way of hearing. So, it’s not a case of adapting the hearing devices to your needs, but specifically adapting your behavior to be able to unlock the hearing function available. You cannot benefit from Bluetooth connectivity or any customizable features with cochlear implants.

In conclusion, while both hearing aids and cochlear implants improve hearing, the choice between the two depends on several factors:

• • The type and severity of hearing loss

Individual lifestyle

Communication needs

Personal preferences

• Whether the natural hearing pathway is too compromised for hearing aids

For most individuals with mild-to-severe hearing loss, hearing aids are the primary recommendation, due to their non-invasive nature and wide applicability. They are comfortable, lightweight and easy to use. Many models are also equipped with advanced digital technology for enhanced sound quality, noise reduction and speech enhancement.

<p>To determine the most <a href=”https://belcherhearing.com/hearing-aids/”>suitable hearing aids</a> for your needs, we recommend consulting with one of our HIS at Belcher Hearing Aid Service. Call (706) 407-4003 to book an appointment.</p>