Cochlear Implant

Cochlear Implant Care in Central Massachusetts

We offer comprehensive care guided by surgeons with advanced training in disorders of the ear and surrounding nerves (otology and neurotology). They work alongside other specialists to provide seamless care, helping you achieve the best possible results. Our exceptional services draw patients from across the region, as well as New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.

Cochlear implant surgery at UMass Memorial is for people of all ages, including children, enabling you to receive lifelong care from the same trusted team.  After the implant procedure, we are easy to reach. Whether you have a question about the device or need adjustments to reflect your changing needs, we are here for you.  
 

What is a Cochlear Implant? 

A cochlear implant consists of two parts:

1. Surgically implanted device
2. External speech processor

The speech processor captures sound from the environment through a microphone and sends it to the internal device. Electrical contacts on the implant send the information to the hearing nerve, which transmits the signals to the auditory centers of the brain. 

Our Team Approach to Cochlear Implant Surgery

Our specialists work together to provide comprehensive and personalized care. Your team consists of:

• Audiologists conduct hearing tests, activate the cochlear implant after surgery and provide ongoing care to optimize your hearing.
• Surgeons carefully insert a tiny electrode into the inner ear and position an internal receiver beneath the skin behind the ear.
• Speech-language pathologists maximize the benefits of your implant through therapies aimed at improving listening, speaking and communication skills.
• Program coordinator manages appointments and verifies that all necessary information is available to support a smooth experience.
   

Cochlear Implant Services We Provide

Here's what you can expect during treatment:

• Pre-surgical testing: These evaluations typically include hearing ability (audiometry) and speech recognition tests to determine if a cochlear implant would be beneficial. Find out more about our diagnostic audiology program.
• Surgical consultation: Before the implant procedure, you meet with the surgeon. They discuss cochlear implant options and help you choose the right device for your needs.
• Implant surgery: We implant the device during a short outpatient procedure. You go home the same day and can expect to return to your usual activities later that week. Find out more about cochlear implant surgery.   
• Follow-up appointment: A few days after your procedure, you undergo an evaluation to ensure you are recovering as expected.
• Activation:  At a later appointment, the audiologist activates your device and programs it to meet your needs.
• Ongoing support: We fine-tune the device, if needed. Some of these appointments may take place virtually, so you don’t have to drive to our clinic.
• Vaccinations: Keeping up with vaccinations after getting a cochlear implant reduces your risk of serious infections like meningitis. If you're unsure of which shots you need or where to get them, we can help. 
   

Is a Cochlear Implant Right for Me?

Schedule a consultation to learn more about cochlear implants if you have: 

• Severe to profound hearing loss in both ears
• Difficulty understanding speech, even with hearing aids
• Trouble hearing people on the phone or following TV shows without captions
• A heavy reliance on lipreading