How to choose the right cochlear implant - Part 3

Hi everyone! here is part 3 of our series where we help you decide which cochlear implant to choose. In this part we will dive deeper into the processor component of popular cochlear implants.

Quick Recap: Main Components of a Cochlear Implant

In the previous post, we covered the two essential parts of a cochlear implant:

1. The Implant: Surgically placed under the skin above the ear, it connects to the auditory nerve.
2. The Processor: This external device captures sounds, converts them into electrical signals, and transmits these signals to the implant via a magnetic link.

The Processor’s Role

The processor bypasses the outer and middle ear, directly stimulating the inner ear (cochlea) and auditory nerve. Its main function is to capture environmental sounds and convert them into signals for the implant.

Types of Cochlear Implant Processors

There are two primary types of processors available:

1. Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Processor: Resembling a hearing aid, this processor sits behind the ear and connects to the implant with a magnetic cable.
2. Off-the-Ear (OTE) Processor: A single compact unit that attaches directly to the implant without cables, making it simpler to wear.

Currently, Cochlear and Med-El offer both BTE and OTE options, while Advanced Bionics provides only the BTE version.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Processor

Several factors influence the choice of processor, including lifestyle and personal preferences. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Natural Sound Capture: Our ears naturally capture sounds from the side, aiding in sound localization (determining where sounds originate). The BTE processor mimics this function more closely compared to OTE

2. Lifestyle and Environment: Processors need to perform well across different environments, from quiet rooms to noisy settings

3. Accessories and Maintenance: Accessories help protect and maintain processors, ensuring sound quality and durability. Sweat is the biggest enemy of processors 

4. Long-Term Flexibility: Many families start with a BTE processor for young children, transitioning to an OTE processor later as kids grow and might prefer a sleeker look. Cochlear and Medel will provide you with that option to switch

5. Sound Quality and Music Perception: Talk to your audiologist about how each processor handles sound in various situations, especially for activities like music listening. Music perception varies slightly, especially for those who previously experienced natural hearing. Advanced Bionics users have reported better music perception owing to better sound technology and finer tone perceptions

Other Important Considerations

• Coding Algorithms: Each company uses unique sound coding algorithms to enhance sound clarity. Consult your audiologist to find the best fit.
• Technical Features: Advanced options, such as noise reduction, sound localization, and special listening modes (e.g., focusing on sounds in front), contribute to a more nuanced hearing experience.

In Summary

Choosing between a BTE and an OTE processor depends on comfort, aesthetics, and sound clarity needs.

In a future posts, I'll explore more technical details about cochlear implants, including sound stimulation rates and coding strategies. I hope this breakdown clarifies the options and helps guide your decision-making. Thank you for reading!