We provide pediatric and adult cochlear implant surgery in Jacksonville, FL

The Hearing Center at Jacksonville Hearing and Balance Institute’s (JHBI) Cochlear Implant Program helps our patients and their families develop the best treatment options to manage hearing loss and improve quality of life. Our team is committed to providing each patient with the best care and lifelong continuing assistance. JHBI is the largest private center for cochlear implants in this region and strives to provide compassion and understanding for each patient and his or her individual needs. 

What is a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant is an electrical device that provides auditory-like sensation to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss at each ear.

The system consists of an internal receiver and an external processor. The internal component is implanted totally beneath the skin behind the ear. The external speech processor is worn at the ear and consists of a microphone covered with a small computer housing and transmitting coil, powered by a small battery. The cochlear implant system bypasses the damaged structure in the inner ear and provides stimulation to the hearing nerve fibers directly. The brain is then able to recognize this stimulation as sound. Many cochlear implant recipients can develop spoken communication, reconnect with loved ones, continue their talents in the workplace, and chat comfortably in most settings.

Who is a candidate and how is this determined?

Audiometric, medical, radiological and speech performance evaluations with current hearing aid(s) are needed to assist medical staff, patients and families in decision-making. The following are the FDA guidelines used to determine candidacy and financial coverage:

• Moderate to Profound hearing loss in one or both ears
• Limited or no benefit from standard appropriate amplification
• Medically healthy for surgery
• Normal radiological (MRI/CT) studies
• Realistic expectations regarding outcome performance

The final decision to implant is always the patient’s.

What does surgery involve?

Cochlear implant surgery is performed by Dr. Douglas Green  at either Center ONE Surgery Center, Ambulatory Surgery Unit of Baptist Medical Center (ASU/BMC), or Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Surgery is typically on an outpatient basis and varies from 1-3 hours. A head pressure dressing is used and removed after 24 hours with limited activity for the first week. Periodic medical follow-ups are needed.

When will I hear with the implant?

Successful use of your cochlear implant depends on a variety of factors including hearing history, consistent use of the implant, commitment to a rehabilitative program and programming of the implant. Three weeks after surgery a series of appointments are needed with the audiologist to make the sound from the implant comfortable and audible enough for you to communicate. Counseling and training to use this new sound and equipment is ongoing.

Our pediatric and adult cochlear implant program offers the most current technology available. We work with all three major manufacturers: Advanced Bionics, MedEL Corporation and Cochlear Corporation.