Cochlear Implants
At Colorado Tinnitus and Hearing Center, we provide comprehensive cochlear implant services for patients with severe to profound hearing loss who no longer receive adequate benefit from hearing aids. Our doctors of audiology work closely with cochlear implant surgeons and specialists to help you through the entire process—from initial candidacy assessment through activation and ongoing care.
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Advanced Solutions for Profound Hearing Loss
When hearing aids are no longer effective, cochlear implants can restore access to sound by directly stimulating the auditory nerve. Our team supports you at every stage of your cochlear implant journey. We perform thorough evaluations to determine candidacy, help you understand device options, coordinate with surgical teams, and provide expert programming and rehabilitation services after implantation to maximize your hearing outcomes.
Our Cochlear Implant Process
Our comprehensive approach ensures you receive expert guidance and support throughout your cochlear implant journey.
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Candidacy Evaluation and Device Selection
We conduct specialized testing to determine if you're a candidate for cochlear implantation, including speech recognition testing and hearing aid verification. If appropriate, we discuss the different cochlear implant systems available and help you select the option best suited to your specific needs and lifestyle.
Surgical Coordination
We work closely with cochlear implant surgeons, providing them with your evaluation results and coordinating your care throughout the surgical process.
Next-Day Activation and Programming
We activate your cochlear implant the next day after surgery, rather than waiting weeks. This next-day approach leads to better outcomes and begins your journey to improved hearing sooner with carefully programmed settings for optimal sound quality.
Ongoing Care and Rehabilitation
We provide comprehensive long-term support including regular programming adjustments, aural rehabilitation to maximize your hearing potential, and continuous follow-up care. This ongoing relationship ensures your implant continues to meet your communication needs as they evolve over time.
Understanding Cochlear Implants
Unlike hearing aids that amplify sounds, cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. This technology can provide access to sounds for people with severe to profound hearing loss who receive limited benefit from hearing aids.
As members of the Cochlear Provider Network, our audiologists have specialized training in cochlear implant services and maintain close working relationships with implant manufacturers and surgical teams to ensure comprehensive care.
Benefits of Cochlear Implants
For appropriate candidates, cochlear implants offer significant advantages over traditional amplification.
Improved speech understanding, even in noisy environments
Renewed ability to hear environmental sounds and warnings
Enhanced ability to enjoy music and media
Greater participation in conversations and social activities
Hearing aids amplify sounds to make them louder for damaged hair cells to detect. Cochlear implants bypass damaged hair cells entirely, converting sounds into electrical signals that directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
Candidacy typically includes severe to profound hearing loss and limited benefit from appropriately fitted hearing aids. A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine if you're a candidate.
The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 2-3 hours. The surgeon places the internal component under the skin behind the ear and inserts the electrode array into the cochlea.
We perform next-day activations of cochlear implants, which leads to better outcomes compared to the traditional 2-4 week waiting period. This allows you to begin hearing and adapting to sounds more quickly, accelerating your progress.
Cochlear implants don't restore normal hearing, but they provide access to sounds that help with speech understanding. Results vary by individual, and most users experience significant improvement with rehabilitation.
Yes. Auditory training is essential to help your brain learn to interpret the new signals from the cochlear implant. We provide structured rehabilitation programs to maximize your outcomes.
Common Questions About Cochlear Implants
We understand you may have questions about cochlear implants and the implantation process. Here are answers to questions we frequently receive from patients.
Comprehensive Cochlear Implant Services
At Colorado Tinnitus & Hearing Center, we take pride in our patient-centered approach to cochlear implant care. Our dedicated Cochlear Provider, Dr. Aniellia Grabowski, brings specialized training and expertise in all aspects of the cochlear implant process, from candidacy evaluations through long-term care. As a certified member of the Cochlear Provider Network, Dr. Aniellia offers comprehensive services for those considering or already using cochlear implant technology.
As an independent practice not owned by manufacturers or corporations, we always recommend what's best for our patients without bias toward any particular device. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your hearing healthcare and achieve the best possible outcomes with your cochlear implant. Contact our office at 303-534-0163 to schedule a consultation and learn if cochlear implants might be right for you.
Other Services
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Cognitive Screening
Our Cognivue cognitive screening service provides a quick, non-invasive assessment of brain health to identify potential cognitive concerns early, particularly important for those with hearing loss who face increased risk of cognitive decline.
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Auditory Training
Our LACE AI auditory training programs help train your brain to better process speech and sounds, improving comprehension even in challenging listening environments.
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Hearing Tests
Our comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluations go beyond basic screenings to thoroughly assess your hearing health for personalized treatment recommendations.
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