When patients come to us for their first hearing assessment, many of them feel unsure about what treatment plan will work best for their unique needs. Will they need hearing aids to alleviate hearing loss challenges, or maybe something stronger? 

With each individual that comes to see us, we work with you to create a treatment plan that will best serve your unique needs. No matter the severity of your hearing loss, you can depend on us to guide you to the best treatment. 

Hearing aids work well for most people looking to optimize their hearing, but for some, hearing aids aren’t quite enough. That’s where cochlear implants come in; surgically implanted into your inner ear, cochlear implants help tremendously for those with more severe to profound hearing loss challenges. 

But what’s the difference between the two? 

Hearing Aids 

Prescription hearing aid technology is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of hearing loss solutions; sitting inside or behind the ear, hearing aids can work wonders for those with a mild to moderate hearing loss that wish to hear the world around them better. 

There are many different models of hearing aids, and we’ll direct you to the best options for your lifestyle choices, budget, and hearing loss challenges.  

Some of the latest and greatest in hearing aid tech include advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone streaming capabilities, AI sound processing, and directional microphones – not to mention their modernized, sleek appearance and discreet sizes. 

Many people think of bulky, awkward devices when they think of hearing aids (we know you did too!), but today’s advanced technology has made those “retro” hearing aids a thing of the past. 

Cochlear Implants 

Surgically implanted into the cochlea inside the inner ear, cochlear implants enhance hearing capabilities for those with a severe to profound hearing loss. 

Cochlear implants consist of two parts: the internal component implanted into your cochlea and the external component that sits outside the ear. These two parts work together by training your hearing to listen electronically.  

They take some time to adapt to using, but for individuals with severe hearing challenges, they can help them reconnect with a world of sound they were once removed from.

What’s the Difference? 

Both devices work wonders for those with hearing challenges but work for hearing losses of different severities; hearing aids are great for those with a mild to moderate hearing loss, while cochlear implants are for individuals with a severe to profound hearing loss. 

Cochlear implants are inserted into your cochlea, which is the spiral-shaped cavity in your inner ear where sound waves are converted to electrical impulses the brain interprets as sound. Hearing aids are external and require no surgery to equip. 

The costs for both are very different, and depending on your insurance provider, cochlear implants can be covered while hearing aids are not. It’s best to check your insurance to find out more. 

Optimize Your Hearing with Audicles 

If you’d like to find out more about hearing aids or cochlear implants, we’d be happy to help guide you to the best choice for your hearing health. 

While we cannot fit cochlear implants ourselves, we can refer you to a surgeon that can help. 

Simply request a callback, and we’ll get in touch as soon as we can to answer questions, alleviate concerns, or chat with you about your unique situation.

Alternatively, you can call us directly at 210-820-0525. 

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