Have you been told that a cochlear implant is a possibility for you to consider?
Would you like to know more about a cochlear implant?

Goulburn Valley Hearing Clinic is your local provider for cochlear implant services.

How is a hearing aid different to a cochlear implant?
For many people with a significant hearing loss, the best hearing aids are not adequate. They can seem like listening to a poorly tuned radio. Hearing aids can make sounds louder, but not always clearer. In some cases, the inner ear is so damaged that there is nothing to hear louder sounds with. A cochlear implant replaces the damaged part of the pathway to restore the sense of hearing.

How do I find out if I am a cochlear implant candidate?
With your hearing aids on, try listening to someone on the phone. If you still struggle to hear, you may need to consider other options. Are you withdrawing from social events? Do you often ask people to repeat themselves? If so, then a cochlear implant assessment is recommended.

If I have an assessment and am found to be a candidate, am I obligated to continue with surgery?
An assessment is just about determining whether a person is a suitable candidate or not. It is always the individual’s choice to go further or not.

How many appointments are involved?
Typically, there are 2-3 local audiology appointments. Next, there are 2 appointments with an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon. This can occur either in Shepparton or Melbourne. The ENT will complete medical investigations. These include a CT scan and/or an MRI, which can often be done locally. Additionally, some adults will have balance tests too.

If the person proceeds with a cochlear implant, there will be 4-5 programming sessions over the first 3 months.

Most, if not all programming, can be done in our clinic in Shepparton.

The client can expect to have about 7-9 programming appointments in the first year after surgery. After that, they will have annual appointments.

How much will it cost?
Fortunately, in Australia the cost of the cochlear implant device, surgery and fitting are mostly covered.

The options for funding surgery for implantable devices are:

• Public funding (State Government funded and no out of pocket expenses)
• Private health insurance (there may be out of pocket expenses, you will need to check with your insurer)
• Department of Veteran’s Affairs (no out of pocket expenses for valid card holders)
• Self-funding for those not eligible for any of the above

Am I too old?
People of any age can consider a cochlear implant. Currently, the oldest recipient was 103 years old and the youngest was 3 months old. In Victoria, 60% of adults who get a cochlear implant are over 65 years old. Additionally, 30% are over 75 years old.

What about the surgery?
The cochlear implant surgery is relatively simple and takes 1-2 hours. Although there are risks linked to any surgery, complications are rare. The cochlear implant surgeon and audiologists will discuss any risks related to the surgery. They will also answer any questions or concerns the patient might have. Most people will stay one night in hospital after the operation and experience very little post operative discomfort. If needed, most people find over the counter pain relief enough.

Cochlear Implant surgery is now available in Shepparton at Goulburn Valley Health, depending on the outcome of the assessment process.

What does a cochlear implant sound like?
This will vary for each person. Over time the sound quality will change as the brain re-learns to listen to the new type of sound stimulation. Initially, the most commonly report sound qualities are ‘mechanical’, ‘robotic’, ‘cartoonish’ and like people are ‘talking underwater.’ It is important to realise this is a process. For most recipients, the sound quality will continue to improve during the first 6-12 months. This happens as your brain adapts to the sound.

How can I find out more?
You do not need to be a client at Goulburn Valley Hearing Clinic. Your audiologist can refer you directly to Goulburn Valley Hearing Clinic for assessment.

Alternatively, you can contact us directly on:

• Email: elizabeth@gvhearingclinic.com or jasmine@gvhearingclinic.com
• Phone: 03 5821 6600
• Visit us at Goulburn Valley Hearing Clinic: 55 Edward Street, Shepparton

We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

We regularly hold cochlear implant information sessions. This is a small group event. You and a family member or friend can attend to learn more about cochlear implants and the journey. The event takes place in a friendly and relaxed environment. You will also meet a cochlear implant recipient who will share their journey.

Remember that this is just the first step, the whole process can continue at a pace that suits you. There is no pressure to meet a timeline. We move ahead in the process only when you are comfortable.

Why not book in to one to learn more about cochlear implants?