Facts and myths about cochlear implants

Today we are stepping away from the topic of hearing aid batteries and have decided to compile a set of facts and myths regarding cochlear implants.



MYTH

People with hearing implants can distinguish environmental sounds, but they cannot understand speech.

IN REALITY

The effectiveness of hearing implants depends on the individual case of the patient. In some cases, they allow for speech recognition without lip reading.

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MYTH

Hearing implants cure hearing loss.

IN REALITY

Implants improve sound reception. Turning off the hearing implant will return hearing function to its original state.

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MYTH

The electrodes of the implants are inserted into the brain and require major surgery.

IN REALITY

The electrodes of the cochlear implant are inserted into the inner ear. There is no interference with brain areas. Surgery is only required for brainstem implants.

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MYTH

People with hearing implants cannot swim.

IN REALITY

They can, as long as they remove the headset and speech processor beforehand. Diving to a depth of 30 meters should not harm the implants.