Cochlear Implant (CI) and Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI)

Cochlear Implant (CI)

A cochlear implant is a device which restores some hearing to individuals who have a severe to profound hearing loss. A cochlear implant consists of internal and external components. The internal component, also known as the receiver/stimulator, is inserted during an operation which lasts approximately 2 hours. The external component, known as the speech processor, allows the internal component to receive sound and is generally fit 3-4 weeks after surgery.

In general, cochlear implants are considered for those patients who have a significant sensorineural hearing loss (ie, nerve deafness) for whom hearing aids are not beneficial. Candidacy for each person will be decided on an individual basis and each patient will be counselled about cochlear implants and their limitations and potential benefits. There will be plenty of opportunities for patients to ask questions and become familiar with the procedure before surgery takes place.

For more information, please see the CI specific website or find a patient information leaflet here: CI information Leaflet – Adults.

Auditory Brainstem Implant

Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI)

An Auditory Brainstem Implant (or ABI) is a device which restores some level of hearing to individuals who do not have a functioning auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is relatively rare and is generally due to a malformation of the inner ear at birth or due to NF2-related Schwannomatosis. The ABI is currently approved for use in adolescent and adult patients with Nf2 who have had their auditory nerve surgically damaged, and for children born without an acoustic nerve.

Like a cochlear implant, the ABI consists of two components: an external speech processor and an internal implant that must be surgically placed in the brainstem. The speech processor for the ABI looks very much like those used for a cochlear implant. The internal component; however, is slightly different. In a cochlear implant, the electrode array is placed inside the cochlea. In an ABI, the electrode array is placed in a region of the brainstem called the cochlear nucleus. The electrode array then bypasses the cochlea and auditory nerve and stimulates the cochlear nucleus directly allowing a signal to reach the brain and be interpreted as sound.

For more information, please see the ABI specific website or find a patient information leaflet here: ABI leaflet

NF2-related Schwannomatosis

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Cochlear Implant (CI) and Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI)

Auditory Brainstem Implant