From referral
through to switch-on.
A cochlear implant can partially restore hearing for adults and children with severe to profound hearing loss. We walk every patient — and their family — through assessment, surgery and rehabilitation, at their own pace.
Is a cochlear implant right for me?
A cochlear implant can partially restore hearing in adults and children with hearing loss and improve communication and quality of life. To be considered, the following criteria are required.
-
i.
Severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears.
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ii.
Limited or no benefit from consistent use of well-fitted hearing aids.
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iii.
Medically suitable for surgery.
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iv.
Motivated for the rehabilitation process.
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v.
Realistic expectations of the implant.
What to expect after a referral.
Five stages — typically over several months. Every patient moves through them at their own pace.
Initial appointment
Stage 01Once we receive your referral, you will be offered an initial appointment.
Assessment
Stage 02Rigorous audiological, speech-and-language and medical assessment to establish suitability for implantation. Radiological imaging may also be requested.
Pre-surgery
Stage 03An information session with the clinical team to discuss pre- and post-implant management. You'll have the chance to meet existing cochlear implant users and their families.
Surgery
Stage 04Cochlear implant surgery takes up to three hours, performed by our specialised surgical team. Most people report feeling well 1–2 days after surgery.
Programming & rehabilitation
Stage 052–4 weeks after surgery you'll attend the NHIVRC to pair the speech processor and switch-on your implant. Regular programming and rehabilitation sessions follow.
A very individual experience.
Hearing with a cochlear implant differs from person to person. Several factors shape how auditory skills develop after implantation.
As each recipient is an individual, the NHIVRC team's aim is to ensure that the expectations of a prospective recipient or their family are realistic and achievable.
- ·Cause of hearing loss
- ·Age when hearing loss began
- ·Age at implantation (children)
- ·Hearing aid use prior to implantation
- ·Educational setting (children)
- ·Engagement with rehabilitation
Frequently asked questions.
i.
What does the implant sound like?
What does the implant sound like?
In the beginning, the sound from a cochlear implant can be unnatural. You may hear a lot of sounds but be unable to make sense of what you are hearing. However, over time and with the necessary adjustments to the device, most people report that their implants begin to sound 'normal'.
ii.
How well will I hear after getting a CI?
How well will I hear after getting a CI?
Most implant users experience improvements in hearing over time; however it is impossible to predict how well each person will do with their implant since this varies greatly. While some CI users are able to use the phone, others might only have some sound awareness and easier lip-reading. It is important to keep in mind that cochlear implant recipients do not have 'normal' hearing.
iii.
How often must I wear my speech processor?
How often must I wear my speech processor?
Full-time daily use is vital for all CI users, especially for children, to facilitate the development of listening skills and spoken language. For adults, initially, you may not wish to use your implant all day, but daily and consistent use will help you adapt more rapidly to the new sounds you are hearing.
iv.
Once the implant is in, does it stay there for life?
Once the implant is in, does it stay there for life?
The internal part of the cochlear implant system is designed to last for many years. The team at the NHIVRC will routinely check the function and integrity of the internal device, and if any issue is detected, another surgery to replace it might be necessary. Surgical replacement of the internal device is a very rare event.
v.
Will I still experience tinnitus after implantation?
Will I still experience tinnitus after implantation?
Most people who suffer from tinnitus prior to implantation find that their condition improves afterwards, as it is masked by the sounds from the implant. Some report a short-term worsening immediately after surgery, which subsides after a few days.
vi.
What costs are involved?
What costs are involved?
The NHIVRC is a public service. The cochlear implant and sound processor are provided at no cost to the patient. There are, however, some longer-term costs.
A government levy is due for each night in hospital around surgery — waived for medical-card holders. Long-term costs include batteries and some optional accessories.
Brochures & manufacturers.
The NHIVRC works with implants from four different companies — the choice is always clinical.
Paediatric brochure
PDF — 2020 edition
Adult brochure
Coming soon