February 25 is recognized as International Cochlear Implant Day (CI Day) in honor of one of the most successful neural devices that, as of July 2022, one million people with severe hearing loss now benefit from worldwide.
CI Day was first celebrated in 2009 by Spanish cochlear implant (CI) users in a group called Federación AICE, an organization that includes several Spanish community member associations. Now, each year CI users can share their stories among each other and their communities.
According to the World Health Organization, it is expected that more than 2 billion people will have some kind of hearing loss with more than 700 million people requiring hearing rehabilitation by 2050.
Efforts are already underway to help expand access to cochlear implants for the many individuals who may be a candidate and would benefit from a CI. I am a CI user myself. Several years ago during the pandemic, a head injury affected my hearing, which necessitated a cochlear implant to restore any ability to hear again.
It was a life changing decision and experience, one that I wrote about in a few published essays but I did not know about International Cochlear Implant Day until recently. I am glad that we can come together to celebrate and support CI users all around the world.
What is a Cochlear Implant?
The first cochlear implant was performed more than sixty years ago in 1961 by Dr. William House and Dr. John Doyle in California and the technology has only improved over time. A cochlear implant (CI) is an electronic medical device designed to help a person with moderate to profound hearing loss to once again perceive sounds and understand speech.
Though many people with hearing loss may be fine with the use of a hearing aid, they are simply not sufficient enough for someone who is a candidate and would benefit from a cochlear implant, a powerful technology that extends beyond the limitations of a hearing aid. Depending on a person’s anatomy and hearing loss, they may be able to use a CI in one or both ears (bilateral).
How Does A Cochlear Implant Work?
A cochlear implant consists of two parts, one that is external and the other that is internal.
The external component includes:
A microphone to pick up sound
A speech processor to analyze and digitize sound, sending them to a transmitter which is connected by a receiving coil
A transmitter that is worn on the head by a powerful magnet, sending signals to an internal receiver
The internal component must be surgically implanted and requires an operation that is performed by a specialized surgeon known as an otolaryngologist. Sometimes these doctors may called an otologist, or neurologist, depending on their medical background and training.
The surgically implanted and internal component of the CI includes:
A receiver implanted just underneath the skin, receiving signals from the external processor that converts into electrical impulses
An electrode array that receives signals from the transmitter, stimulating the auditory nerve (which helps the brain interpret the signal into meaningful information)
Currently, there are 3 major companies that manufacture CIs: Advanced Bionics, Cochlear Americas, and Med-El.
The Benefits of Cochlear Implants
CIs work differently than hearing aids, which only amplify sounds and rely on the ear’s natural ability to hear. A CI stimulates the inner part of the ear that does not work naturally through electrical currents via the electrode array inserted into the cochlea.
Some of the good things about having a CI is that it can:
Give you a better connection and awareness of the world around you
Enhance your hearing in noisier environments
Improve your understanding of speech
The Risks of Cochlear Implants
Of course, just like with many things in life, there may be risks involved. This includes the implant surgery, length of time for rehabilitation and therapy (not everyone will adapt to a CI in the same way), maintenance and costs, and lifelong dependency on the technology. Another rarer risk is that a CI may not work for the recipient or may require additional surgery to repair or possibly replace components.
If you are a candidate for a CI, it is always important to do as much research as you can regarding the benefits and risks. Prepare lots of questions to ask your doctor and discuss with your family members and friends who support you before making any final decisions.
When I made the decision to get a CI, I weighed many of the pros and cons and discussed my concerns, goals, and wishes with my family, friends, and healthcare providers. However, I had no other option. I was a lifelong hearing aid user until my head injury and a hearing aid was no longer sufficient or powerful enough to give me what I needed. If I did not elect to get a CI, I would not have been able to hear again. And while I loved the natural sounds I received with my hearing aid, getting a CI is still one of the best decisions I ever made.
Ways to Support International Cochlear Implant Day
International Cochlear Implant Day (CI Day) is a great opportunity to think of and support members of the CI community who enjoy the opportunity to hear their loved ones, listen to their favorite music, and simply enjoy the many sounds of life. Here are some ways you can help honor this day:
Gift a CI user some cool new skins and decals to add character and personalize their technology
Share yours or a loved one’s CI story on social media and use #CochlearImplantDay
Submit a financial contribution to an organization supporting the cochlear implant community and research, such as Ability Central, with your generous donations.
Additional Resources and Support
American Cochlear Implant Alliance (ACI) is a non-profit organization that aims to eliminate barriers, raise awareness of, and create more access to cochlear impacts through sponsored research.
Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation (CIAF) helps raise awareness of CIs and connects users with equipment and parts.
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is a nationwide organization that empowers individuals and loved ones facing hearing loss through education, community connections, and support.
Med-El HearPeers helps connect CI users with others around the world.
YouTube videos — watch these personal stories and experiences from real CI patients:
Want to support more work like this? Explore Abilty Central’s homepage and consider a donation.
Additional Information
The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal, medical, or other professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date resources, some information may become outdated or incomplete. Always consult with your provider about personal medical concerns.
