Hearing aids vs cochlear implants
When it comes to hearing loss, modern technology has given us many options, two of which are the traditional hearing aid and the cochlear implant. You may have wondered, “What is the difference between the two, and which is better?” We can explain.
Hearing aids – Hearing aids use the hair cells within the inner ear to amplify sound. Because they rely on the integrity of the cells to work, hearing aids are often not effective for anyone who has severe or profound hearing loss.
There are several types of hearing aids:
- Behind the ear (BTE) – These are a small plastic case which resides behind the ear, as the name would suggest. This is connected to a mould by clear tubing. The most accommodating of the bunch, these are a good option for children as they can be replaced as the child grows.
- Mini BTE – Much like the BTE version, but smaller, these have increased comfort and reduced feedback, as well as being a more subtle option.
- In the ear (ITE) – These are contained entirely in the outer part of the ear and, larger than their counterparts, are easier to handle.
- In the canal (ITC) or completely in the canal (CIC) aids – These are much like ITE aids, but much smaller, making them a good option for those cosmetically inclined.
There are also two other variants of hearing aids: analog and digital. Analog aids amplify all sound but are programmable, while digital aids, more complex, convert sound waves into digitized signal, creating an exact duplication of said sound. Because of the greater benefits, most hearing aids today are digital.
Cochlear implants – Cochlear implants essentially replace damaged hair cells, stimulating the ear’s auditory nerve directly. The implants create a “spark” that, picked up by the auditory nerve, are then interpreted by the brain.
There are two main components of cochlear implants:
- Internal – Internally, cochlear implants contain a decoder and a magnet, which picks up information from the external component. In order to implant the internal piece, the surgeon drills into the skull to create a cavity for the decoder while the rest sits on the skull.
- External – The external component contains a microphone and cords, as well as a transmitting coil and speech processor. Sound is picked up by the microphone and interpreted by the speech processor. A signal is then sent to the internal component in real time. Both the internal and external pieces must be worn in order for cochlear implants to work.
The choice between a hearing aid and cochlear implant ultimately falls according to the state of your ears and your individual needs. Your doctor can help recommend which of the options is best for you.
Related links:
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Can you get fitted with used hearing aids?
Everything you need to know about digital hearing aids