Forum » Bilateral implantation » Are two implants better than one?
Are two implants better than one?
Enquiry: I have a decision to have two cochlear implants or one. What is the good things and bad things about having two cochlear implants?
Reply: Because fitting two implants is fairly new, we do not have much strong research about this, especially in adults. You might want to look at a review done in 2006 by B. Peters looking at the reasons for having two implants. You can find this on the Cochlear website. Two ears are certainly better than one because two ears can help you to:
- Identify where a sound is coming from
- Hear in noisy situations
- Follow group conversations
Having two implants can also give you these benefits.
However it depends if you have two implants at the same time (simultaneous implantation) or one then the other (sequential implantation). Evidence has shown that the shorter the time-gap between the two implants, the greater the benefit of having a second implant is likely to be. Certainly if you have one, it is a huge commitment in terms of time and effort to have another one and the results may not always be as good for the second as the first, although they may be. Simultaneous implantation is less complicated in many respects.
Another possibility is the use of an implant with a hearing aid in the other ear. That can work for some people but it depends on the level of hearing in the other ear.
If somebody is deafened through meningitis, bone may grow inside the cochlear which would make it difficult to implant the other side later. That is why having two implants is a priority for those deafened with meningitis.
Research continues to be carried out about the benefits of bilateral implantation and hopefully the results of that will be out soon.
If you would like more information, the RNID have done a booklet with The Ear Foundation which is available from both organisations. It is called “Are Two Cochlear Implants Better than One?”
Posted on June 12, 2009 17:34
Comments
I have 2 implants which were sequential after a gap of just over 4 years. i had an implant and hearing aid which did help but after having the 2nd implant in April of this year i have not looked back. For me the sounds just seemed to be clearer and i can understand sentences without lip reading so much and i can certainly follow conversation easier and seem to listen to the news on the radio a lot more but that doesnt mean to say its been easy i still had to learn to listen and be patient and with the help of my husband and family i have come on in leaps and bounds. i dont regret having the 2nd operation but you do have to sit and think whether its right for you at that time.
Posted by wendy faulkner on October 27, 2009 19:38
We are also questioning the bilateral implant offer at the moment. My daughter, Paige, was born profoundly deaf and was implanted at the age of 2yrs. She is now 7 and doing well with her implant. She still reluctantly wears a hearing aid on her other side, but gets very little if not anything from it. She has told me that she would like another implant, but obviously doesn't understand the complexity of operations and the destructive surgery etc. My husband is of the opinion that we shouldn't be considering another implant, as technology advances so quickly and stem cell regeneration is excelling marvellously. I am of the opinion that we should be giving Paige the opportunities which are available to her NOW and not wait until another 5, 10, or 15 years go by - even with the hope of amazing advancement! I believe everyone should do what they feel is best for themselves, however a parents job is that much harder trying to make the best decision for your child at the time. My husband said something that did make me think twice about my strong opinion though. He asked, "what if she comes to us in 15 years time when this amazing new thing is available to restore hearing completely, and we have taken her opportunity away from her because we decided to implant her other ear?"............I suppose there is always so much to consider regarding bilaterals. I just don't know.................. Regards, Natalie Callaghan
Posted by Natalie Callaghan on January 2, 2010 14:25
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