Cochlear implantation: why do we need it (review article)

A cochlear implant is a device used in severe to profound hearing loss where hearing aids are inadequate. These hearing losses may be congenital or acquired. Our goal in the management of hearing loss in children with congenital hearing loss should be to detect hearing loss early and start using hearing aids in the first 6 months. Cochlear implants can be applied starting at 9 months of age, depending on the country. Ideally, the implant should be applied as close as possible to the age of 1. The later the implant is applied in children with congenital hearing loss (especially after the age of 5), the less effective the device will be. It is very important to apply cochlear implants to both ears in order to provide sound depth and to determine the direction of the sound. In addition, if for any reason one of the implants experiences a temporary failure, traumatic damage or infection-related dysfunction; having a working implant in the other ear is also very important in the management of the process. The benefits of cochlear implantation not only include improved hearing and increased ability to develop speech and language skills, but also improved academic success, a better quality of life, and improved employment