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

When you hear about options to treat hearing loss, the two most common treatment options that you are going to be told about are hearing aids and cochlear implants. They are both used to treat hearing loss depending on the situation, but it’s important that you understand the difference between the two technologies. While both accepted remedies for hearing loss, the way these devices operate and are utilized differ greatly. This way, you can speak to your audiologist, you can ask them any questions that you may have, and they will be able to give you the best advice possible.

What are Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are devices that are used to help people who are experiencing hearing loss. Depending on the style of hearing aid you select, these will either be worn behind your ear, fit on the outer bowl of your ear or worn in the canal. It is important that this is completed by an audiologist to ensure that you have the right fit, so that your hearing aids will be able to give you the best hearing possible.

Hearing aids work by amplifying the sounds that you hear around you so that you can hear them better. Those who are experiencing hearing loss may struggle to hear those sounds on a regular day as they may appear quieter than they actually are.

What are Cochlear Implants?

Cochlear implants are complex medical devices that need to be carefully placed into the ear. This is where the main difference between hearing aids and cochlear implants comes in: cochlear implants need to be surgically implemented by a medical professional such as a surgeon. These devices require surgery to properly fit them into your ear and help you to hear better. Cochlear implants work by bypassing the damaged part of the ear, stimulating the auditory nerve directly to ensure that you can hear as much as possible.

It is important to understand that neither of these options will restore hearing that has been lost. Whether you have cochlear implant surgery or whether you use hearing aids, the sound will be amplified and the sensation of sound will be provided for those who need it.

What is Best for Mild-to-Profound Hearing Loss?

Generally speaking, hearing aids are the better option if you are experiencing mild to profound hearing loss. Advancements in hearing aid technology are constantly happening, and there are now more powerful hearing aids than there ever have been. Children and adults who have mild to profound hearing loss are usually recommended for hearing aids as treatment rather than cochlear implants due to the fact that there is no surgery involved. Hearing aids can be fitted by your audiologist and the right style can be selected to grow with young children as their ear anatomy matures.

Surgery always comes with a range of risks, and that is the same for any surgery that you have. If you, or your child has extremely profound hearing loss, then this is when a cochlear implant may be suggested. If hearing aids have already been tried and they are not working for an individual, then they may also be a candidate for cochlear implants.

Weighing Your Options

Deciding between hearing aids and cochlear implants involves considering several factors. If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, hearing aids are often the first choice due to their non-invasive nature, comfort, and adaptability to various hearing needs. Cochlear implants, on the other hand, are typically recommended for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who might not benefit sufficiently from hearing aids.

Hearing aids are designed to cater to a diverse range of individual needs. They come in various styles and sizes, accommodating different levels of hearing loss and personal preferences. Whether you’re an active sports enthusiast, a social butterfly, or someone who values discretion, there’s a hearing aid option that can seamlessly integrate into your daily life. Regardless of your age or lifestyle, hearing aids offer a comprehensive range of options to support your hearing needs effectively.

If you would like to find out more about hearing loss, if you have an issue with your hearing, or if you would simply like to speak to an audiologist, you can get in touch with Salyer Hearing Center on Sylva: 828-586-7474, Franklin: 828-524-5599, Murphy: 828-835-1014 depending on your location. A friendly member of the team will be able to book you an appointment and answer any questions that you may have! We look forward to hearing from you.