A secret to ageing well: Clinical Professor Cathy Birman shares insights

Here at NextSense we rely every day on our vital experts to do the work we do in support of people with hearing and/or vision loss—we’re home to a network of experts.?

Chief Executive Chris Rehn recently reflected on the clinicians and surgeons who pioneered and led the way for cochlear implants in Australia and the world. Clinical Professor Catherine Birman OAM is the Medical Director of NextSense Cochlear Implant Services and a globally renowned surgeon who has performed more than 1,700 cochlear implant and hearing restorative surgeries for children and adults of all ages. In this article, Professor Birman answers some of the most common questions older people have about their hearing loss. Do they resonate with you???

What are the tell-tale signs of hearing loss???

If you’re having difficulty hearing on the phone, in noisy situations, or understanding children’s voices, or your family tells you that you have the TV/radio up too loud: any one of these issues may flag that you are likely to have hearing loss.?

When’s a good time to have my hearing tested???

For people 50 years and older, having regular hearing tests is very important so that hearing loss can be identified and managed in a timely manner. For some people, hearing aids will address their needs. For other people, those with severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss, cochlear implants are often more ideal, giving better clarity of hearing.?

When is a cochlear implant worth considering??

A cochlear implant is an option to consider when hearing aids are no longer enough. So, we can ask the same tell-tale signs of hearing loss questions, mentioned above, for those with their hearing aids on. If the answer is yes to any one of those questions, then it is worthwhile having further assessment for a cochlear implant. While many people have heard of children having amazing outcomes from cochlear implants, many don’t realise that they are a great option for adults too. In adults, we know that most people who would benefit from a cochlear implant, are not aware that the cochlear implant is a good option for them. Only about 10% of adults with severe or profound hearing loss, who could benefit from a cochlear implant, currently has one.?

What's the difference between hearing aids and cochlear implants??

There are many differences between hearing aids and cochlear implants and the two devices are suitable at different hearing levels. Hearing aids amplify sound but with greater degrees of hearing loss, the clarity is often poorer. Implantable devices such as cochlear implants provide direct stimulation in the inner ear, making it clearer and easier to interpret speech, and hear in the whole range of environments. Of course, the cochlear implant requires surgery, whereas hearing aids do not. Both require being adjusted to the individual and practice with listening is vital.?

What are the risks of not looking after my hearing health??

Hearing loss can lead to withdrawal, social isolation, depression, anxiety, and dementia, particularly among older people. Better management of hearing loss in middle age and beyond, is beneficial in many ways and much research is happening to clarify the influence on cognitive impairment.?

How do cochlear implants work??

A cochlear implant stimulates the hearing nerves, known collectively as the cochlear or auditory nerve. The cochlear implant provides access to high-quality, clearer sound. The cochlear nerve then sends signals to the brain where it is interpreted as sound. The cochlear implant consists of an internal part which is implanted under the skin via surgery, and an external part which is worn on the outside of the head.?

Surgery generally involves an overnight stay but can be day surgery in some cases. The implant is usually switched on one to three weeks later. An audiologist works closely with you to ensure the implant is customised for each person. This support continues and long-term cochlear implant users have their cochlear implant ‘mapped’ once a year by their cochlear implant audiologist.? Practice listening through the cochlear implant is important, and there are many activities that can provide this practice.??

Can you be too old for a cochlear implant??

You are never too old for a cochlear implant. In fact, seniors are the largest cochlear implant group, with many even in their nineties undergoing this wonderful lifechanging surgery. A common misconception is that you’re ‘too old’ for a cochlear implant, but the truth is, age is no barrier.?

When is a cochlear implant not the right option and are there other alternatives??

The criteria for a cochlear implant are expanding, however, if you benefit significantly from your current hearing solution, cochlear implants may not be right for you at this time. All people considering a cochlear implant are carefully assessed by the cochlear implant specialised team, with specific testing, education and counselling to work out if a cochlear implant is the best option for them. Talk to a trusted expert about the solutions that might work best for you.?

Clinical Professor Catherine Birman OAM is a globally renowned surgeon who has performed more than 1,700 cochlear implant and hearing restorative surgeries for children and adults of all ages. Read more about Clinical Professor Birman.??