With innovations in technology, and surgery, a range of new surgical options for hearing loss are available. In addition, the range of patients who can benefit from hearing implants has expanded significantly. Dr Walton can advise you about which hearing implant might benefit you or your child.

Cochlear Implant

A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that is surgically placed within the inner ear to help transmit sound via an electrical signal. It consists of external components (a microphone, a speech processor and a transmitter) and an implanted component. The microphone picks up sound from the environment and sends the signal to a speech processor which selects, analyses and digitally codes the sound signals and sends them to a transmitter in the implant that relays electrical signals to the cochlea which in turn stimulates auditory nerve fibres.

Cochlear Implants can be performed in infants and adults even into advanced age. Currently only 10% of people who could benefit from a cochlear implant have been offered a cochlear implant. Patients with bilateral (both sided) or unilateral (one side) hearing loss can benefit from cochlear implantation. Patients who have preserved low tone hearing or those with severe tinnitus in association with hearing loss can also obtain great hearing rehabilitation from cochlear implants.