Cochlear Implants, also called CI, digitize sound and send the signal directly to a portion of the brain. Any residual hearing that may exist is rendered forever useless. While the external device can be removed, the internal portion of the device remains within the skull.
As with hearing aids, the transmission of sound does not guarantee an accurate translation of sound. The meaning associated with a bird call or a particular word must still be learned as it would for anyone else. People accustomed to hearing sounds naturally who later rely on cochlear implants need to learn to receive and translate the digitized signals, just as someone with a prosthetic leg must relearn how to walk.
For this reason, many experts recommend implanting children as early as possible. On the other hand, not all children with hearing loss are good candidates for the surgery, and not all surgeries are considered successful. There are some children who have had replacements of their cochlear implants and still struggled with understanding the digitized signals. There’s also the matter of the body’s reaction to the surgery, the device, and the signal. The neural system and immune system often have something to say about such things.
Unfortunately, there is a battle over the use of cochlear implant technology. On one extreme are those who believe that the device is an equal replacement of natural hearing. It simply isn’t. On the other extreme are those who believe the implants are an attempt to eradicate deaf culture. No culture will disappear that easily. The accurate truth in the middle is that we tend to look to technology to solve our problems, many see lack of hearing as a problem to be solved, and most parents will try to give their children the best they can.
While you look into technological options, we urge you to also employ visual communication. That way, whether the CI works for you or not, your child can communicate and thrive.