Lubbock ☎ : 806-687-4327
|
Lubbock ☎ : 806-687-4327
Your Cochlear Implant Specialists in Lubbock & Snyder
Hearing aids, more often than not, are the best solution to help patients engage in the world around them successfully. Sometimes, however, for individuals with moderate to profound hearing loss, hearing aids are not enough.
+5
1,000+ Happy Patients
+5
1,000+ Happy Patients
Our Cochlear Implant experts are Dr. Courtney Arnold and Dr. Madison Pearson. Both have extensive experience as a cochlear implant audiologist either whilst at, or prior to, working at Cornerstone Audiology. Further training has also been undergone in all aspects of cochlear implants, from programming to candidacy requirements.
We genuinely care about the interests of our patients and want them to have every opportunity to hear their best.
Hear what Dr. Arnold, one of our cochlear implant specialists, has to say about Cochlear Implants:
"Cochlear Implants are devices that are surgically implanted into the patients’ inner ear when hearing aids are no longer powerful enough for a successful solution to hearing loss.
I have extensive experience in both cochlear evaluations, activations, and adjustments.
We love the opportunity to help patients who are seeking solutions beyond traditional hearing aids.
As a side note, Resound hearing technology is compatible with Cochlear technology and is often recommended for the other ear when implantation is on the table.
This compatibility helps the patient by utilizing streaming and additional features to help patients with profound hearing loss. “
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cochlear implants for both ears or just one?
Cochlear implants can be placed in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral) depending on the patient’s unique circumstances and hearing loss.
Are cochlear implants for both ears or just one?
Cochlear implants can be placed in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral) depending on the patient’s unique circumstances and hearing loss.
What is a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants are an established, FDA-approved medical treatment option designed to replace the function of the inner ear (cochlea) and mimic natural hearing. Cochlear implants use electrical impulses to transmit sound to the inner ear and on to the hearing nerve. This is then interpreted by the brain as sound. There are two main components to a cochlear implant system: an external processor and an internal implant. The device transmits a modified sound signal from a sound processor to stimulate the auditory nerve through electrodes threaded into the cochlea. Though hearing loss is not cured by cochlear implants, they restore access to sound for the patient. The device was approved by the FDA in the 1970s, providing a higher level of sound sensation to individuals with severe hearing loss. Digital technology, like all other electronic devices, continues to contribute to their improved performance.
What is a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants are an established, FDA-approved medical treatment option designed to replace the function of the inner ear (cochlea) and mimic natural hearing. Cochlear implants use electrical impulses to transmit sound to the inner ear and on to the hearing nerve. This is then interpreted by the brain as sound. There are two main components to a cochlear implant system: an external processor and an internal implant. The device transmits a modified sound signal from a sound processor to stimulate the auditory nerve through electrodes threaded into the cochlea. Though hearing loss is not cured by cochlear implants, they restore access to sound for the patient. The device was approved by the FDA in the 1970s, providing a higher level of sound sensation to individuals with severe hearing loss. Digital technology, like all other electronic devices, continues to contribute to their improved performance.
How do I know if I am a cochlear implant candidate?
Cochlear implant candidacy is determined by both the audiologist as well as the surgeon. Specific candidacy requirements exist that include, hearing loss, the ability to understand words, performance with hearing aid use as well as medical history. Cochlear implants are intended for patients with moderate to profound hearing loss when hearing aids are not sufficient to improve word understanding to certain levels.
How do I know if I am a cochlear implant candidate?
Cochlear implant candidacy is determined by both the audiologist as well as the surgeon. Specific candidacy requirements exist that include, hearing loss, the ability to understand words, performance with hearing aid use as well as medical history. Cochlear implants are intended for patients with moderate to profound hearing loss when hearing aids are not sufficient to improve word understanding to certain levels.
What do I expect in a cochlear implant evaluation?
Cochlear implant evaluations are performed by Dr. Arnold at our office. The evaluation consists of general hearing testing in a sound booth with pure tone detection and word understanding as well as sentences and a thorough case history. Dr. Arnold will spend time to answer your questions and concerns and connect you to other professionals as needed. Insurance typically covers the cost of the evaluation.
What do I expect in a cochlear implant evaluation?
Cochlear implant evaluations are performed by Dr. Arnold at our office. The evaluation consists of general hearing testing in a sound booth with pure tone detection and word understanding as well as sentences and a thorough case history. Dr. Arnold will spend time to answer your questions and concerns and connect you to other professionals as needed. Insurance typically covers the cost of the evaluation.
What is bi-modal?
Bi-modal fittings are when the patient wears a cochlear implant on one ear and a traditional hearing aid on the other ear. The latest technology works to have the hearing aid and cochlear implant communicate with each other to maximize hearing potential by streaming and app utilization.
What is bi-modal?
Bi-modal fittings are when the patient wears a cochlear implant on one ear and a traditional hearing aid on the other ear. The latest technology works to have the hearing aid and cochlear implant communicate with each other to maximize hearing potential by streaming and app utilization.
Are there risks in a cochlear implant surgery?
There are risks involved with any surgical procedure. Cochlear implants require general anesthesia. Surgical risks are minimal and most patients require only a one-day hospital stay and have no surgical complications.
Are there risks in a cochlear implant surgery?
There are risks involved with any surgical procedure. Cochlear implants require general anesthesia. Surgical risks are minimal and most patients require only a one-day hospital stay and have no surgical complications.
Will I need more surgery as new technology becomes available?
There are two parts to a cochlear implant. The implanted device and the external processor. The implanted device is meant to last throughout a patient’s lifetime. The external processor can be upgraded as technology improves over time.
Will I need more surgery as new technology becomes available?
There are two parts to a cochlear implant. The implanted device and the external processor. The implanted device is meant to last throughout a patient’s lifetime. The external processor can be upgraded as technology improves over time.
Can people with cochlear implants swim and shower and remain active after activation?
The only restriction for patients with cochlear implants is skydiving and scuba diving due to pressure changes in the environment. Patients may swim and shower only when they are not wearing their external processor. Participation in other activities are unrestricted although protective headgear may be recommended.
Can people with cochlear implants swim and shower and remain active after activation?
The only restriction for patients with cochlear implants is skydiving and scuba diving due to pressure changes in the environment. Patients may swim and shower only when they are not wearing their external processor. Participation in other activities are unrestricted although protective headgear may be recommended.
How long after the surgery is the implant activated and what can I expect with activation?
Cochlear implants are typically activated 4-6 weeks after surgery by your audiologist. This is when Dr. Arnold will program the sound processor to introduce you to basic soft and louder sounds. Patients gradually start to recognize and interpret more sounds in the weeks and coming months. Dr. Arnold will work with patients to continue to map and program the device so that the patient receives maximum benefits.
How long after the surgery is the implant activated and what can I expect with activation?
Cochlear implants are typically activated 4-6 weeks after surgery by your audiologist. This is when Dr. Arnold will program the sound processor to introduce you to basic soft and louder sounds. Patients gradually start to recognize and interpret more sounds in the weeks and coming months. Dr. Arnold will work with patients to continue to map and program the device so that the patient receives maximum benefits.
Are cochlear implants covered by insurance?
Typically cochlear implants are covered both by Medicare as well as private insurance companies.
Are cochlear implants covered by insurance?
Typically cochlear implants are covered both by Medicare as well as private insurance companies.
Hear What Our Patients
Have To Say
1,000+ Happy Patients
“I am impressed with the courtesy and thoroughness of everyone! I even received a sympathy card when I had to reschedule because of a family member’s death. These people truly care.”
— Larry L.
"They give excellent and tremendous service to their patients"
0:00/1:34
Hear What Our Patients
Have To Say
1,000+ Happy Patients
“I am impressed with the courtesy and thoroughness of everyone! I even received a sympathy card when I had to reschedule because of a family member’s death. These people truly care.”
— Larry L.
"They give excellent and tremendous service to their patients"
0:00/1:34
Hear What Our Patients
Have To Say
1,000+ Happy Patients
“I am impressed with the courtesy and thoroughness of everyone! I even received a sympathy card when I had to reschedule because of a family member’s death. These people truly care.”
— Larry L.
"They give excellent and tremendous service to their patients"
0:00/1:34
Contact
Request a Callback
Don’t wait—contact us today to schedule your visit and experience personalized, compassionate care. Your health is our priority, and we look forward to welcoming you to our clinic!
Contact Us
Feel free to contact us for appointments or consultations
Phone Number
806-687-4327
Office
Lubbock, TX | Snyder, TX
Contact
Request a Callback
Don’t wait—contact us today to schedule your visit and experience personalized, compassionate care. Your health is our priority, and we look forward to welcoming you to our clinic!
Contact Us
Feel free to contact us for appointments or consultations
Phone Number
806-687-4327
Office
Lubbock, TX | Snyder, TX
Contact
Request a Callback
Don’t wait—contact us today to schedule your visit and experience personalized, compassionate care. Your health is our priority, and we look forward to welcoming you to our clinic!
Phone Number
806-687-4327
Office
Lubbock, TX | Snyder, TX
Patient Resources
Feb 5, 2025
Four Ways to Optimize Your Hearing in 2025
Hearing isn’t just one of your five senses. It’s one of the most important tools you have...
Jan 7, 2025
The Best Hearing Aids in 2025 Doctor of Audiology Answers
At Cornerstone Audiology, we often hear one question: “What are the best hearing aids?” If you’re searching for the "best" hearing aids in 2025...
Dec 13, 2024
How Can I Use My Hearing Aids at Work?
Did you know that 51 percent of all adults in the United States have reported having hearing problems, but only 11 percent have sought out professional treatment?
Patient Resources
Feb 5, 2025
Four Ways to Optimize Your Hearing in 2025
Hearing isn’t just one of your five senses. It’s one of the most important tools you have...
Jan 7, 2025
The Best Hearing Aids in 2025 Doctor of Audiology Answers
At Cornerstone Audiology, we often hear one question: “What are the best hearing aids?” If you’re searching for the "best" hearing aids in 2025...
Dec 13, 2024
How Can I Use My Hearing Aids at Work?
Did you know that 51 percent of all adults in the United States have reported having hearing problems, but only 11 percent have sought out professional treatment?
Patient Resources
Feb 5, 2025
Four Ways to Optimize Your Hearing in 2025
Hearing isn’t just one of your five senses. It’s one of the most important tools you have...
Jan 7, 2025
The Best Hearing Aids in 2025 Doctor of Audiology Answers
At Cornerstone Audiology, we often hear one question: “What are the best hearing aids?” If you’re searching for the "best" hearing aids in 2025...
Dec 13, 2024
How Can I Use My Hearing Aids at Work?
Did you know that 51 percent of all adults in the United States have reported having hearing problems, but only 11 percent have sought out professional treatment?
