When the best hearing aids for the elderly are not enough, consider this solution
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Hearing loss is a significant health concern in the United States, especially for the elderly. One in every three people 65 years of age and one in every two 75 years of age and over has hearing loss.1
Research continues to show the direct correlation untreated hearing loss has with increased risk of dementia, depression, falls, as well as cardiovascular diseases.2 However, with significant strides made in hearing technology over the last 40 years, hearing loss no longer has to be an inevitable part of aging or something you have to live with when you should be enjoying your golden years.
Most everyone is aware of hearing aids as a solution to treat hearing loss. But, if you or your loved one has been using hearing aids for years, continuously upgrading to the next powerful solution, pay out of pocket for each new aid, and you return frequently for hearing aid adjustments but you still are not hearing fully, it is time to have your hearing tested to see if you might qualify for a cochlear implant.
A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted medical device that replaces the function of the inner ear (cochlea) and is designed to mimic natural hearing. Historically, cochlear implants have been considered a treatment option only for those who have lost all of their hearing. This is untrue. Cochlear implants help those with moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears who are not receiving enough benefit when using hearing aids. Additionally, most cochlear implants are covered by Medicare. They are also covered by many insurance plans and typically Medicaid.*
Research shows 93 percent of cochlear implant recipients significantly improved speech understanding compared to their hearing aid.3 For the appropriate candidate, cochlear implants are better than hearing aids in noisy environments, as well as provide greater sound clarity, improved speech understanding, less anxiety and depression rates, improved confidence and participation in social activities, and an improved overall quality of life.4-6
Chuck Hand received his cochlear implant at 82; now, at 92, he still enjoys every bit of his decision to get a cochlear implant.
“It made a complete, total change in my life,” said Chuck, while talking on the telephone. “I now can communicate with my family, so we can understand each other.”
His loved ones describe the difference it made in his life too, including his wife, Bev, who said, “It has enabled him to be part of the family and be connected. He can hear the kids tell him, ‘Happy Father’s Day,’ ‘Merry Christmas’ and ‘Happy Birthday.’ He had missed that for years.”
Watch Chuck’s story, and hear from cochlear implant surgeon, Dr. David Kelsall, on how the device can positively affect a patient and their family’s lives.
If you have explored the best hearing aids for the elderly and they do not help you hear, consider a cochlear implant. Learn more about cochlear implants, and find a local hearing implant specialist near you today at www.Cochlear.com/US/CochlearImplants.
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For Cochlear: Renee Oehlerking | 303-264-2104 | [email protected]
1. Hearing Loss and Older Adults [Internet]. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders; c2017 [cited 8 May 2018]. Available from: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-older-adults.
2. Brody, J. E. (2018, December 31). Hearing Loss Threatens Mind, Life and Limb. Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/31/well/live/hearing-loss-threatens-mind-life-and-limb.html.
3. Clinical Evaluation of the Cochlear Nucleus CI532 Cochlear Implants in Adults. 2019 Jan; Data on file.
4. Lenarz, T. et al (2017) Patient-related benefits for adults with cochlear implantation: a multicultural longitudinal observational study. Audiology & Neurotology. 22, 61-73.
5. Clark, J. et al (2012) Cochlear implant rehabilitation in older adults: Literature review proposal of a conceptual framework. Journal of the American Geriatric Society 60, 10, 1936-1945.
6. Damen, G. (2007) Cochlear implantation and the quality of life in postlingually deaf adult: long-term follow-up. Otolaryngology Head Neck 36, 597-604.
* Covered for Medicare beneficiaries who meet CMS criteria for coverage. Coverage for adult Medicaid recipients varies according to state specific guidelines. Contact your insurance provider or hearing implant specialist to determine your eligibility for coverage.
© Cochlear Limited 2019. All rights reserved. Cochlear, Hear now. And always, Nucleus, Baha, the elliptical logo and marks bearing an ® or ™ symbol, are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB or Cochlear Limited (unless otherwise noted).
Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information. Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.