The benefits of cochlear implantation have increased progressively with improvements in technology and in clinical practice over the last two decades. Most of the 100,000 cochlear implant recipients worldwide have received substantial communication benefits from implantation in only one ear.
However, nature outfitted each of us with two ears. For children with normal hearing, two ears enhance hearing in noise and localization of sound. Therefore, it is only natural to consider the potential benefit of bilateral (both ears) cochlear implantation.
- Hear better in noise
- Localize sound better
- Greater ease of listening—less effort required, less stressful and less tiring
- Situational advantages—your child doesn’t need to consider where to sit so that the implant ear is optimally positioned to capture sound (e.g., car, classrooms, theaters, etc.)
- Quality Improvements—sound may be fuller, richer, and more natural
In young children, there may be other compelling reasons for considering bilateral implantation. A young child’s auditory system is more plastic than that of an adult. Providing sound input to both ears in a young deaf child assures that sound is processed through both sides of the brain. This may have advantages for language development.
Providing young children access to sound in both ears may enable the brain to mature and to learn to process all bilateral information during a period where maximum plasticity and development occurs.
To date, only a small percentage of cochlear implant recipients have received bilateral implants, but the number is growing rapidly. Studies have documented some significant benefit in both adults and children with two implants. You should discuss your option to get two implants with your Cochlear Implant Team.
Whether you have chosen one Harmony or two for your child, you are now ready for the next step of the Harmony Journey: Getting Cochlear Implants.
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