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The technical
performance information on cochlear implant devices can be
confusing and potentially misleading for patients and parents.
Such information can be obtained from each device manufacturer's
web site if desired. However, I am in disagreement with the
marketing tendency on the part of some manufacturers to use
technical data to try to "convince" patients or parents of the
superiority of their device. The long term patient performance
data do not support such presumption. When the devices are
compared to one another the pros and cons of each are minor,
offsetting issues. Our center implants all 3 manufacturers’
devices and we solicit the patient’s and parent’s involvement in
choosing which cochlear implant to use. On rare occasions a
patient may have a medical reason requiring the choice of one
implant over another. The majority of patients are encouraged to
make their decision based on their subjective preference for the
appearance of the external processor or confidence in one device
over the other as they have networked with other implant
recipients. If the patient or parent has no preference concerning
which implant to use, as is often the case, we alternate between
the devices. I am often asked by
patients and parents, "Which device should I choose?" My
answer is always the same: "Any of them." Each of the
devices listed in this section are excellent devices with
comparable electronic capabilities made by stable, well
established companies. The specific technical information on each
device has very little to do with how well a patient will
ultimately "hear." Rather, patient performance with a
cochlear implant is determined more by "patient
specific" factors (age, duration of deafness, amount of
speech acquired before the onset of deafness, educational setting,
amount of time with the implant, how hard patients and parents
work in therapy after the implant, etc.). It is crucial that
patients and parents place their focus on these issues and not
expect the device to guarantee a good outcome.
I am also frequently
asked, "Should I wait for future technology before proceeding
with cochlear implant surgery." My answer is,
"Absolutely not." The current generation of cochlear
implants provide excellent auditory detail and can be upgraded to
better technology in the future if warranted. The duration of
deafness before implantation and conversely the amount of time an
individual has been using an implant are two major
determining factors in hearing performance. Each day, each month,
and each year without an implant is time lost towards auditory
integration and speech acquisition, especially in children who
have a limited "window" of opportunity to obtain maximum
benefit from an implant. Cochlear implants are amazing, but they
are not magic. They are only the beginning of a long, strenuous
journey toward the hearing world.
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