Selecting a Cochlear Implant

Outcomes are generally excellent for patients who are carefully selected and highly motivated. There are three CI systems available for use in the United States, and results with all three are quite similar. However, there are important differences in the devices and it is important to consider your own preferences in choosing the ideal device. It is not possible to make a wrong choice. In some cases, your implant team will suggest a certain device for anatomical, surgical, or other reasons.

Below are some of the important considerations in making your choice:

• Reliability: Your team will counsel you about recent experiences with mechanical breakdowns and service. Which are more durable? What costs are involved? This includes both internal and external components.
• Battery life and cost: Some use disposable and others re-chargeable batteries. How often must the batteries be changed? Your team can tell you the average annual cost of batteries. Remember, more powerful computers may require more power consumption.
• Size and appearance of the external speech processor: Be sure to hold each of the devices and compare size and appearance. Are the controls easy to read? Can you make adjustments and change batteries easily? Try one on—is it comfortable?
• Telephone connection: Does the device have a built in telecoil? If not, how will you use the telephone? Are there linkages to other (infra-red) assistive listening devices?
• Customer service: Your team can discuss the company’s response time, weekend service, and other sites of service in the United States as well as abroad.
• Technology: Which implants have the newest technology? Are older technologies well supported? Are current research projects ongoing? Will current users benefit from upcoming technology?

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