How to choose the right cochlear implant - Part 1

In this blog, I want to discuss the process of selecting the right cochlear implant model, whether it’s for you or your child. While I’ll briefly touch on the diagnosis process, the key takeaway is that once it’s clear hearing aids aren’t effective, cochlear implants become the only viable option. This is true regardless of whether the hearing issue is congenital or has developed over time.

So, once the decision to proceed with a cochlear implant has been made, the next critical step is choosing the right brand. This is a significant decision, and I’ve decided to split this blog into two parts. In this first part, I’ll provide an overview of the best options available in India. In part two, I’ll outline some key questions you should ask both your audiologist and the company representatives to help you make an informed decision. I’ll keep it simple and provide a concise list of 5 to 7 questions to guide you through this process.

Now, let’s focus on the cochlear implant options available in India. Broadly speaking, there are three leading brands:

1. Cochlear – Based out of Australia, Cochlear is a pioneer in the cochlear implant market and holds the largest market share in India. My understanding is that one out of every two implants in India comes from this company.

2. Advanced Bionics – Part of the larger Sonova Group, which also owns Phonak (a major player in the hearing aid industry), Advanced Bionics is based in the US. It ranks second in terms of market share in India and offers strong integration with Phonak hearing aids, which is helpful for those who may need only one implant.

3. MED-EL – A company based in Austria, MED-EL ranks third in the Indian market after Cochlear and Advanced Bionics. It has fewer users compared to the other two brands, especially in major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai.

Both Cochlear and MED-EL offer two types of processors. The first is an off-the-ear processor, which sits at the point where the implant is located. The second is a behind-the-ear (BTE) processor, which looks similar to a hearing aid. Cochlear has been available in India for a long time, so there are more people who have used the device for over 20-30 years. This gives Cochlear an edge with proven long-term success stories.

Advanced Bionics, on the other hand, has seen increasing acceptance in the medical community, although it still doesn’t have the same legacy as Cochlear.

MED-EL is less common in India, making it a more challenging choice for those considering a cochlear implant, especially since the procedure is both expensive and requires surgery.

That’s a brief overview of the cochlear implant options available in India. In the next blog, I’ll delve into the key questions you should ask during the selection process and go deeper into the technical aspects of how the implant works. I hope this introduction helps, and stay tuned for more detailed insights in part two!