Christie Clinic’s Department of Audiology in Bloomington on Empire is now a Cochlear Implant Center expanding services to include hearing technology for more advanced levels of hearing loss.
Cochlear implants work differently than hearing aids. A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard-of-hearing. The implant consists of an external portion that sits behind the ear and a second portion that is surgically placed under the skin.
“We are excited to offer hearing implant evaluations and these expanded services to qualified patients straining to hear sounds and speech even with powerful hearing aids,” said Megan Wallace, Au.D., Christie Clinic. “Hearing aids help many people with hearing loss by making sounds louder. However, cochlear implants can be a more effective option for those with more significant hearing loss.”
Interested candidates should ask themselves:
- Do you struggle to hear conversations, ask people to repeat themselves, even with your current hearing aids?
- Do you avoid social situations or noisy environments because you will not understand what is being said?
- Can you hear some sounds, but not others?
- Do you hear from only one ear?
- Have you had ear surgeries or chronically draining ears?
- Is it difficult for you to talk on the phone?
If a patient answers yes to any of these questions, they should speak with their provider. Christie Clinic’s Department of Audiology is taking appointments for evaluations. The evaluation will take approximately 1 ½ hours and results will be reviewed immediately after testing. This evaluation is covered by most insurance plans. For an evaluation or for more information, please call Christie Clinic’s Department of Audiology at (309) 663-4368.