Cochlear Implant Evaluation
Cochlear implant evaluations are specialized assessments to determine if someone is a candidate for a cochlear implant—a small electronic device that can help provide a sense of sound to those with severe to profound hearing loss. At Citrus Hearing Clinic, we provide comprehensive cochlear implant candidacy evaluations, pre-implant counseling, and post-implantation mapping services.
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At Citrus Hearing Clinic, we work with all three major cochlear implant manufacturers, allowing us to recommend the system that best suits each patient's unique needs and preferences.
Cochlear Americas
Cochlear Americas offers innovative implant systems known for reliability and a strong support network. Their processors feature advanced connectivity options for streaming audio directly from smartphones and other devices. The Nucleus system includes unique features like a slim, off-the-ear processor option and water-resistant accessories for active lifestyles.
Med-EL
Med-EL implants are designed with a focus on preserving delicate inner ear structures and natural hearing when possible. They offer the longest electrode arrays in the industry, which may provide better coverage of the entire cochlea. Their processors are known for excellent music appreciation capabilities and MRI compatibility without magnet removal in many cases.
Advanced Bionics
Advanced Bionics devices, developed in partnership with Phonak, feature sophisticated sound processing strategies that excel in challenging listening environments. Their processors offer excellent water resistance options for swimming and water activities, along with direct connectivity to compatible devices for streaming audio content.
At Citrus Hearing Clinic, we work with all three major cochlear implant manufacturers, allowing us to recommend the system that best suits each patient's unique needs and preferences.
Cochlear Americas
Cochlear Americas offers innovative implant systems known for reliability and a strong support network. Their processors feature advanced connectivity options for streaming audio directly from smartphones and other devices. The Nucleus system includes unique features like a slim, off-the-ear processor option and water-resistant accessories for active lifestyles.
Med-EL
Med-EL implants are designed with a focus on preserving delicate inner ear structures and natural hearing when possible. They offer the longest electrode arrays in the industry, which may provide better coverage of the entire cochlea. Their processors are known for excellent music appreciation capabilities and MRI compatibility without magnet removal in many cases.
Advanced Bionics
Advanced Bionics devices, developed in partnership with Phonak, feature sophisticated sound processing strategies that excel in challenging listening environments. Their processors offer excellent water resistance options for swimming and water activities, along with direct connectivity to compatible devices for streaming audio content.
Benefits of Cochlear Implant Evaluation
A professional cochlear implant evaluation provides a comprehensive assessment of your hearing status and potential benefit from implantation. This detailed process helps determine the most appropriate hearing solution for your specific needs, whether that's a cochlear implant or another type of hearing technology such as a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (Baha).
Determine if you meet candidacy criteria for cochlear implantation or Baha systems
Understand expected outcomes based on your specific hearing history and needs
Receive guidance on selecting the most appropriate implant system for your lifestyle
Develop realistic expectations through pre-implant counseling and education
Deaf Related Children Authors
At Citrus Hearing Clinic, we support children's books that help young readers understand and embrace hearing differences. These authors create stories featuring characters with hearing aids and cochlear implants that promote self-advocacy, acceptance, and confidence – values we champion in our pediatric audiology services.
Extraordinary Jordyn and her Bionic Ears is an encouraging story about a young elementary school girl who is passionate about space and self-advocacy.
In this short story, the reader will explore Jordyn as she learns to overcome being judged for having a cochlear implant and a hearing aid. This story is meant to uplift children like Jordyn who may be learning to accept and celebrate their unique differences.
Get The Book Here
I Deaf-initely Can, Rhett the Heeler is a heartwarming story about a deaf shelter dog and his adoption by Karlie, a deaf girl.
Written from Rhett's perspective, the book follows their journey as they learn sign language together and prove that deafness doesn't limit possibilities. Through colorful illustrations and personal experience, author Karlie Waldrip celebrates differences and shows readers that everyone "deaf-initely can" overcome challenges.
Get The Book Here
Join Karlie and Rhett in their latest book "We Deaf-initely Can, Let the Adventures Begin", as they embark on new and exciting journeys together.
Start your day with them, explore fun adventures, and end with a celebration of bravery in trying new things. Immerse yourself in sign language and witness how they embrace the joy of going on adventures.
Get The Book Here
Signimalz is a unique Sign Language Alphabet book that depicts animals fingerspelling individual letters of the American Sign Language alphabet.
This book can be used as a teaching resource for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students or as a fun learning tool for everyone.
Get The Book HereCandidates typically have severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears and receive limited benefit from hearing aids. Candidacy criteria continue to expand, now including some individuals with single-sided deafness or asymmetric hearing loss. The evaluation process includes extensive hearing tests, medical assessments, and imaging to determine if you meet the anatomical and audiological requirements.
Cochlear implants directly stimulate the auditory nerve, bypassing damaged inner ear structures. They're typically used for sensorineural hearing loss (inner ear damage). Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (Baha) transmit sound through bone conduction to the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear. Baha systems are typically recommended for conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, or single-sided deafness where one inner ear functions normally.
The evaluation includes comprehensive audiological testing, speech perception assessment with and without hearing aids, medical evaluation, imaging studies (CT or MRI), and counseling sessions. We also conduct cognitive and psychological screening when appropriate. The process typically requires 2-3 appointments to complete all necessary components.
Cochlear implants don't restore normal hearing, but they provide useful sound perception that helps with understanding speech and environmental sounds. Most recipients experience significant improvement in communication abilities compared to their pre-implant performance with hearing aids. Results vary based on factors like duration of deafness, age at implantation, and commitment to rehabilitation.
Many private insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid cover cochlear implantation when medical necessity criteria are met. Coverage typically includes the evaluation, device, surgery, and initial programming. Our staff works closely with your insurance provider to verify benefits and obtain necessary approvals.
The device is typically activated 2-4 weeks after surgery. Following activation, you'll need regular mapping sessions to adjust the device's programming as your brain adapts to the new signals. Most patients also benefit from auditory rehabilitation therapy to maximize their benefit from the implant. We provide ongoing support and programming adjustments throughout your cochlear implant journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cochlear Implants
Many patients have questions about cochlear implants and the evaluation process. We believe patient education is essential when considering advanced hearing technology options. Understanding the evaluation process, candidacy requirements, and expectations for outcomes helps patients make informed decisions about their hearing healthcare.
Schedule Your Cochlear Implant Consultation
If you or a loved one struggles with severe hearing loss despite appropriately fitted hearing aids, contact Citrus Hearing Clinic today to discuss cochlear implant evaluation. Our audiologists have specialized training in cochlear implant and Baha assessment, programming, and rehabilitation. We'll guide you through each step of the process, from initial candidacy evaluation through referral to a surgical team and post-implant programming.
Call us at 352-989-5123 to begin exploring whether cochlear implantation might be right for you.
Contact us
Clinic Location
Clermont, FL 34711
Opening Hours
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
