Patient Resources

Ascochlear implants (CIs) become more prevalent, they are gradually gaining visibility in popular culture, media, and fashion.

In this article, we will explore the presence ofCIsin these spheres, discuss real-life stories of implant recipients, and address the use of hearing aids in conjunction with CIs.CIs in Fashion and Pop CultureSeveral high-profile celebrities and influencers with CIshave helped raise awareness and acceptance of the technology.

Their stories inspire and encourage others to consider CIsas a viable solution for hearing loss.

One such example of this is actor and bodybuilderLou Ferrigno, who was nearly brought to tearsby thepositiveimpact CIshad on his hearing.

When I have a moment of downtime I really enjoy watching videos on my iPad.

Thanks to my Cochlear Americas cochlear implant, I can now differentiate different sounds, inflections and tones so well.CIshave been featured in various media outlets, including television shows, movies, and news articles, helping to educate the public about the benefits and challenges associated with the devices.

Films likeA Quiet PlaceandSweet Nothing in My Earwork CIsinto their narratives to show their usefulness, but they also go a long way in normalizing them.Social media platformsand online communities provide a space for individuals with CIsto connect, share experiences, and offer support. These networks play a crucial role in normalizing CIsand fostering a sense of belonging.Is Cochlear Implantation the Right Decision?

Real-life stories of CI recipients offer valuable insights into the decision-making process and the impact of the technology on their lives.Radio talk show hostRush Limbaugh acknowledged in 2001 that he had almost gone completely deaf,but was able to regain much of his hearing with the help of a CI.

Individuals may choose cochlear implantation for various reasons, including a desire to improve communication, enjoy music, or enhance overall quality of life.

While the journey to better hearing can be challenging, many CIrecipients find the rewardssuch as improved communication, increased independence, and richer social interactionsto be well worth the effort.Can You Use a Hearing Aid With a Cochlear Implant?

Hearing aids are devices that amplify sound for individuals with a range of hearing loss. They can be worn in the ear or behind the ear and come in various styles and technologies.

While both hearing aids and CIscan help improve hearing, CIsare designed for individuals with moderate to profound hearing loss who cannot generally benefit from hearing aids.

However, an effective treatment for some individuals with hearing loss is to pair a CIin one ear with a traditional hearing aid in the other ear. When an ear has little or no open-set speech understanding by itself, amplification with a hearing aid has proven to be helpful.

Combining the electric and acoustic signals can result in the highest level of speech comprehension and sound quality.

By pairing these devices, patients have reported improved speech understanding, with up to a 20% improvement in single-word recognition and a 30% improvement in sentence recognition in noisy environments.

Binaural hearing can also be improved, allowing for better sound localization by comparing the arrival time of sound at the two ears.

Additionally, patients often report enhanced sound quality when using a hearing aid and CItogether, with speech sounding more natural, richer, or fuller.

Music appreciation has also been shown to improve with the use of a hearing aid in the ear opposite to a CI, according to astudy by Kong et al. (2005).Improve Your Quality of Life withCIs

The presence of CIsin popular culture, media, and fashion contributes to a broader understanding and acceptance of the technology. If you or a loved one areconsideringa CIor have questions about hearing loss solutions,schedule a consultationwith our team at Audiology Associates.

Call us at(410) 944-3100or visit ourcomprehensive hearing assessmentspage to start your journey towards better hearing. Together, we can help you make the best decision for your hearing health.