Overview
Restoring your hearing for improved language and speech
If you or your child are living with significant hearing loss, a cochlear implant may help.
Cochlear implants can improve hearing for adults and children. The device works best for adults with moderate-to-profound hearing loss and children with severe-to-profound hearing loss.
About cochlear implants
What is a cochlear implant?
A cochlear implant is an electronic device that is surgically implanted in your inner ear.
The implant sends sound to your auditory nerve. Your brain receives these signals from the nerve, allowing you to hear sounds. A cochlear implant replaces the function of the inner ear but does not restore normal hearing.
Treatment process
Understanding the cochlear implant process
Once your doctor approves your cochlear implants, your care team will schedule your surgery.
The implant procedure usually lasts between two and five hours. You’ll go home the same day or spend a night in the hospital. Your device is turned on four to six weeks after surgery.
Support and resources
Patient resources and support
Your cochlear implant team supports you before and after surgery. We make sure you get the support you need for successful hearing. We provide opportunities for education and support with other cochlear implant users.
Options include:
Educational seminars
Informal meeting prior to surgery with a cochlear implant user
Informational talks
Picnics and scheduled events
If your child received a cochlear implant and attends school, we work with you and the school staff. We educate teachers about cochlear implants to improve communication between teachers and your child.
Learn more about cochlear implants:
Patient stories
Helping patients thrive
Receiving a cochlear implant can be life-changing experience for many people. See how we've helped other patients rediscover some of the simple joys of life.
Hearing birds again, Linda 'can't say enough' about her care team
Lexi: 'I'm happy I can hear the world'
Meet our team
An expert team by your side
The cochlear implant team at UW Health includes experts in audiology, surgery, speech pathology, social work and psychology.
Locations
Cochlear implant locations
We offer specialized cochlear implant care at UW Health clinics in Madison and Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, and Rockford, Illinois.
