Learning to hear with a cochlear implant is a long process and needs motivation and commitment from the implant user.
The Midland Hearing Implant Program (MHIP) Rehab team are here to support, advise and guide you the cochlear implant journey. You will have a lot of appointments, both before and after your surgery. It is important to understand that everyone’s experience and progress with implants are different.
Implant users normally report benefit from their implants, although the amount of benefit varies from person to person.
Most people can hear a range of environmental sounds. Lots of implant users can understand familiar phrases, even without lip-reading. Some, but not all, can use the telephone again.
The team will discuss the type of benefits you might expect to gain, based on your individual circumstances.
It is important to remember that an implant can provide you with significant hearing ability, but it cannot restore normal hearing. Consistent use of the implant over time usually leads to an improvement in the sound quality.
Cochlear implant rehab programme
This is explained in the cochlear implant journey page. The rehab programme starts in the assessment process with the Rehab assessment appointment. Rehab support follows each programming appointment, until 12 months after your switch on.
Rehab appointments include:
- switch-on (day one)
- switch-on (day two)
- one week review
- three month review
- annual review
Cochlear implant rehab tools to use at home
Hearing rehab needs commitment and perseverance. The Rehab team will work with you to develop a focused listening programme to suit your needs. Activities include listening programs online, live voice practice with family/friends, use of listening apps, audio books, YouTube and TED talks.
A number of manufacturers have free listening practice tools.
Free audio books:
Equipment and technology
There are assistive listening devices available. Cochlear implant manufactures provide a choice of wireless accessories, equipment and Apps to support your listening. The Rehab team help you understand the technology and equipment available.
Further information on accessory options from manufacturers:
Phone
Some sound processors can connect to mobile smartphones using Bluetooth technology. This connection means you can stream voice calls directly to your sound processor. Only compatible phones can use this feature with compatible sound processors.
We advise you get used to your new cochlear implant before attempting to use the telephone to make voice calls. The Rehab team can help you understand best practice with phone use, if using the telephone is important to you.
The rehab team can explain alternative options and techniques for phone use if you do not have a phone and/or sound processor with Bluetooth connectivity.
You can check if your phone is compatible on the manufacturer websites below:
Music
Evidence shows patients with cochlear implants do not hear music well. The speech processor’s aim is to process speech sounds, which we need for conversation. Musical sounds are more complex. However, if listening to music is a priority, there may be some focused listening practice that might help provide some understanding of music.
Rehab tools for music
Information and support
More information and support on assistive listening devices and hearing accessories:
Last reviewed: 17 July 2023