Cochlear Implants: Discover a New Way to Hear
When Hearing Aids Aren't Enough
Do you still struggle to hear clearly, even with hearing aids? If conversations feel like a puzzle or background noise drowns out the world around you, it might be time to explore another solution.
At Sounds of Life Hearing Center, we offer expert evaluations to determine if cochlear implants can help you reconnect to the sounds and voices you love.
- Expert candidacy evaluations with skilled audiologists
- Partnership with Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals
- Comprehensive support throughout your journey
- Activation and ongoing programming services
Signs You May Benefit from a Cochlear Implant
Even the best hearing aids have limitations. Do you:
Struggle to follow conversations in noisy settings?
Frequently ask others to repeat themselves?
Mishear words or misunderstand conversations?
Turn up the TV volume louder than others prefer?
Feel isolated in social situations because hearing is too hard?
Rely on lip reading?
If these challenges sound familiar, a cochlear implant evaluation may be the next step. 🌟
What Are Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implants go beyond what hearing aids can do. While hearing aids amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged inner ear structures and send sound signals directly to the auditory nerve.
With consistent use and follow-up care, many patients hear more clearly than they ever did with hearing aids.
Cochlear implants have two main components:
Internal Device
Surgically placed in the cochlea to stimulate the auditory nerve
External Sound Processor
Worn on the ear to capture and process sounds
The Cochlear Implant Journey
Step 1: Candidacy Evaluation
Your journey begins with a detailed evaluation at Sounds of Life Hearing Center. During this 90-minute appointment, we will perform a basic hearing test (if not recently completed) and conduct cochlear implant-specific testing to assess your hearing with and without aids.
Step 2: Surgical Candidacy
If you're a candidate, we'll connect you with trusted neuro-otologists at Cleveland Clinic or University Hospitals for medical clearance.
Step 3: Implantation Surgery
The surgery places the internal device in your ear and is performed by skilled surgeons at these partner hospitals.
Step 4: Activation
Two weeks post-surgery, you'll return to our clinic to activate your cochlear implant. This is when your external sound processor is programmed, allowing you to hear in a whole new way.
Step 5: Follow-Up and Rehabilitation
Regular appointments with our audiologists ensure your implant is fine-tuned for optimal performance. We'll guide you through rehabilitation exercises to adapt to your new hearing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about cochlear implants and the evaluation process
Some natural hearing in the implanted ear may decrease, but most patients hear better with the implant than with hearing aids. Surgeons aim to preserve residual hearing when possible.
Yes. Many patients use a hearing aid in one ear and a cochlear implant in the other, while some eventually receive two implants.
No. Surgery is performed by specialized neuro-otologists at Cleveland Clinic or University Hospitals. We handle all evaluations, activation, and follow-up programming.
No. Implants don't restore normal hearing, but they provide clearer and more understandable sound than hearing aids for most candidates.
The brain needs time to adjust to electrical hearing. Full benefit often develops over weeks to months with consistent use and follow-up care.
Appointment Details
Duration
90 minutes
Office Visit Fee
$110 (due at visit)
Testing Fees
Billed to insurance; co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles are collected at the visit
Preparation
Note: Cochlear implant evaluations cannot be scheduled online. Please call or email to book.
Patient Experience
What patients say about their evaluation at Sounds of Life
"I was very impressed by the knowledge of Dr. Donovan. Over the last 6 months I have had quite a few disappointing hearing exams done at various locations that left me with more questions. This was the first exam that was extremely in-depth. The capability of their equipment tests beyond the regular restrictions of other locations (higher frequencies above 8khz, for example). She also took the time to answer all my questions patiently, I didn't feel rushed at all. I wish sounds of hearing would've been my starting point when trying to find answers about the change in my hearing. On my way out, I also noticed she took in another patient that was a walk-in due to an emergency situation, despite the fact they were closing. You can tell the staff here genuinely cares and are very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend them."
Schedule Your Evaluation Today
Take the first step toward better hearing with our expert, compassionate audiologists
* This type of appointment is not available for online scheduling