Cochlear Implant

Cochlear Implant Care in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

We offer comprehensive care guided by surgeons with advanced training in disorders of the ear and surrounding nerves (otology and neurotology). They work alongside other specialists to provide seamless care, helping you achieve the best possible results. Our exceptional services draw patients from all across Massachusetts as well as New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

At UMass Memorial, cochlear implant surgery supports long-term hearing health. After the implant procedure, our team stays closely involved in your care. Whether you have a question about your device or need adjustments over time, we are here to help.

What is a Cochlear Implant? 

A cochlear implant consists of two parts:

1. Surgically implanted device
2. External speech processor

The speech processor captures sound through a microphone and sends it to the implant. The implant stimulates the hearing nerve, which carries signals to the brain’s auditory centers. 

Our Team Approach to Cochlear Implant Surgery

Our specialists work together to provide comprehensive and personalized care. Your team consists of:

• Audiologists conduct hearing tests, activate the cochlear implant after surgery and provide ongoing care to optimize your hearing.
• Surgeons carefully insert a tiny electrode into the inner ear and position an internal receiver beneath the skin behind the ear.
• Speech-language pathologists maximize the benefits of your implant through therapies aimed at improving listening, speaking and communication skills.
• Program coordinator manages appointments and verifies that all necessary information is available to support a smooth experience.
   

Cochlear Implant Services We Provide

Here's what you can expect during treatment:

• Presurgical testing: These evaluations typically include hearing ability (audiometry) and speech recognition tests to determine if a cochlear implant would be beneficial. Find out more about our diagnostic audiology program.
• Surgical consultation: Before the implant procedure, you meet with the surgeon. They discuss cochlear implant options and help you choose the right device for your needs.
• Cochlear implant surgery: We implant the device during a short outpatient procedure. You go home the same day and can expect to return to your usual activities later that week. Find out more about cochlear implant surgery.   
• Activation:  At a later appointment, the audiologist activates your device and programs it to meet your needs.
• Ongoing support: We fine-tune the device, if needed. Some of these appointments may take place virtually, so you don’t have to drive to our clinic.
• Vaccinations: Keeping up with vaccinations after getting a cochlear implant reduces your risk of serious infections like meningitis. If you're unsure of which shots you need or where to get them, we can help. 
   

Is a Cochlear Implant Right for Me?

Schedule a consultation to learn more about cochlear implants if you have: 

• Severe to profound hearing loss in both ears
• Difficulty understanding speech, even with hearing aids
• Trouble hearing people on the phone or following TV shows without captions
• A heavy reliance on lipreading

Getting Back to Work After a Cochlear Implant

After a cochlear implant, even simple tasks can require extra focus as your brain adapts to hearing differently. This adjustment takes time. But you can still get back to your daily routine, including returning to work.

Here are some tips to ease the transition: 

• Talk to your employer: Let them know what support you might need.
• Practice in real life: Try listening in a variety of settings to help your brain learn how to process different types of sound.
• Lean on coworkers: Ask for small adjustments, like asking people to face you, to help conversations go smoothly.
• Rest when needed: You may get tired easily at first. Consider a gradual return to work if possible.
• Keep at it: With daily practice, hearing with the help of a cochlear implant becomes more natural.