Cochlear Implants

An effective treatment for hearing loss, cochlear implants replace the function of the damaged inner ear. Rather than amplify sounds like a hearing aid, they deliver sound signals to the brain so that you can hear as naturally as possible.

Find your ENT Request Appointment

For many patients, cochlear implants are an ideal solution for sensorineural hearing loss. Contact SFENTA today to schedule an initial consultation and discover if this procedure can restore your ability to hear sounds more clearly.

How do Cochlear Implants Work?

To hear normally, tiny hair cells in the cochlear send sound vibrations to the brain via the auditory nerve. When sensorineural hearing loss occurs, the tiny hair cells are damaged and cannot perform this function. A cochlear implant bypasses these cells and sends sound signals directly to the auditory nerve, restoring your ability to hear clearly.

Who is a Candidate?

The primary candidates for a cochlear implant are those who do not respond to hearing aids, or are those who are born with or develop severe to profound hearing loss. There are also other conditions that may make an individual a candidate for cochlear implants which can be evaluated by one of our specialists. A CT scan or MRI may also be required during your initial evaluation to ensure that no structural abnormalities could interfere with the implant. Patients will also need to have their medical history reviewed to ensure they are surgically fit.

Benefits of a Cochlear Implant

A cochlear implant will allow patients with hearing loss to experience a modified sense of sound. With continued use, patients will be able to hear more and see an improvement in their hearing function including enhanced understanding of speech and directional sense.

The procedure also requires minimal downtime, and can be performed in under two hours by a skilled surgeon.

About SFENTA

SFENTA has created a network of providers and practices that are making comprehensive ENT care more accessible than ever. With over 50 board-certified providers and more than 30 locations, SFENTA is always ready to help. Our office provides each patient with:

Patient-Centered Care

We provide genuine one-on-one care between you and your providers, ensuring that you feel seen and that your concerns are heard.

Continuity of Care

Our goal is to help you find long-lasting relief from the symptoms that are impacting your life.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

Our provider network is designed to foster internal collaboration, which leads to unique perspectives and ultimately better patient outcomes.

The Security of a Community Staple

With over 30 locations across the area, we’ve made finding quality care more straightforward and more accessible.

Your Procedure

The cochlear implant procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes about an hour and a half to complete. The first step will be the administration of general anesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable. An incision will be made behind the ear to remove part of the mastoid bone and replace it with the implant.

Patients can resume their regular activities the following day, and will return for a follow-up appointment with the provider after four weeks. The implant will be activated 2-4 weeks after surgery. Programming of the device is based on the individual auditory perceptions.