Cochlear Impants
Cochlear implant evaluation and care at Peak ENT
Traditional hearing aids may no longer provide enough benefit for individuals with severe or profound hearing loss. At Peak ENT, we offer comprehensive evaluation and support for cochlear implants, a life-changing technology that restores access to sound and helps people reconnect with speech, music, and the voices of loved ones.
Whether you’re exploring cochlear implants for yourself or a family member, our compassionate specialists are here to guide you through every step, from initial testing to post-implant support.
What is a cochlear implant?
A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device that bypasses damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve, allowing sound signals to reach the brain.
Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants convert sound into electrical impulses. They can provide meaningful hearing for individuals with significant sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit from traditional amplification.
Cochlear implants consist of:
- An external sound processor worn behind the ear or on the head
- An internal receiver and electrode array placed inside the cochlea during surgery
Who is a candidate for a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants may be recommended for:
- Children and adults with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss
- Individuals who receive little to no benefit from hearing aids
- Children who are not meeting speech and language milestones due to hearing loss
- Adults who struggle to understand speech, even with high-powered hearing aids
- Patients who are medically cleared for outpatient surgery
At Peak ENT, we conduct a comprehensive candidacy evaluation, including:
- Hearing tests (audiogram and speech recognition scores)
- Imaging studies (CT or MRI) to assess cochlear anatomy
- Medical and communication history review
- Multidisciplinary input from audiologists and cochlear implant specialists
What to expect during the process
1. Evaluation & candidacy
We’ll determine whether a cochlear implant is right for you or your child through thorough hearing assessments and diagnostic imaging.
2. Consultation & planning
If you are a candidate, we’ll walk you through device options, surgery preparation, and what to expect before and after the procedure.
3. Implant surgery
Cochlear implant surgery is an outpatient procedure, typically lasting 1–2 hours. Most patients return home the same day.
4. Activation & programming
After a short healing period, the external processor is activated and programmed by your audiologist. Sound may be unusual at first, but your brain gradually adapts.
5. Ongoing support & therapy
Successful use of a cochlear implant involves auditory training, speech therapy, and regular follow-up appointments to fine-tune your hearing experience.
Benefits of cochlear implants
- Improved ability to understand speech—even in noisy environments
- Greater confidence in social and professional settings
- Easier phone conversations and music appreciation
- Enhanced development of speech and language in children
- Reconnection with voices, environments, and everyday life
Pediatric cochlear implant care
Peak ENT offers compassionate, family-centered care for children who are deaf or severely hard of hearing. We understand the importance of early intervention and speech development—and we’re here to guide you through the cochlear implant journey with education, empathy, and expertise.
Why choose Peak ENT?
- Board-certified ENT surgeons and audiologists with cochlear implant expertise
- Comprehensive pre- and post-implant care in one place
- Collaboration with speech-language pathologists and hearing specialists
- Support for both adult and pediatric patients
- Personalized follow-up and long-term success planning
Discover the power of restored hearing
A cochlear implant can change how you experience the world—and how you connect with it. At Peak ENT, we’re honored to help you hear life again with clarity, comfort, and confidence.