Auditory Brainstem Implant (BPI) Vs Cochlear Implant (CIC): A Comparison
A hearing implant, also known as a cochlear implant, is a surgically planted neuroprosthetic that gives a deaf person a more modified perception of sound. CI stands for continuous electrical intraferential implants, and they are used to improve speech processing and provide better auditory feedback than monofilaments such as polysulphon or Mylar. CI are designed to give an exact replica of the wearer's natural hearing mechanism without the use of aids such as aids, amplifiers and speakers.
The first hearing implants, called In the Ear device (I TE), came about in 1970. These devices were bulky and awkward to wear, and many were quickly rejected by medical professionals because they were so ineffective. I TEs did not help much with speech comprehension, as they did not have a large enough microphone and speaker to pick up external sounds. Most importantly, they required the wearer to move his or her head sideways, which was inconvenient for most people who wore them.
A new class of hearing aids called BTE (behind the ear) was developed by healthcare professionals to solve some of the same problems behind the I TE devices. These types of hearing aids are small and can be worn behind the ear, and many patients report significant improvement with their hearing loss. Unlike I TE devices, BTEs require no moving of the head. This makes them ideal for elderly patients who may experience side effects from using conventional I TE devices.
BTE (Behind the Ear) hearing implants operate on the same principles as conventional I TE devices. They pick up external vibrations, convert them to electrical impulses and magnify them. The electrical impulses trigger the sensory pathways within the cochlea, resulting in hearing waves that reach the inner ear. One of the advantages of BTE technology is that it uses tiny vibrations, which cannot be heard by conventional instruments. Patients wearing BTE devices can move their heads and their body, which allow them to follow their favorite TV shows, play music or even listen to the telephone rings without having to worry about disturbing others in the home. Because these devices are worn behind the ear, healthcare professionals refer to them as "Behind the Ear" devices. Learn more on how do cochlear implants work.
There are two types of hearing implants currently on the market - BTE and the cochlear implant. The difference between these two technologies is very important to patients who are looking to regain normal hearing capabilities. Behind the Ear hearing implants use tiny vibrations from the external environment to transmit signals to the inner ear. A cochlear implant, on the other hand, utilizes a microphone inserted into the canal to capture the external noise and transmit it as sound to the inner ear. Both devices work by changing the vibration frequency of the external noise, converting them to higher frequencies that the inner ear can more easily absorb.
When considering BTE or cochlear implants, it is important to discuss both options with your physician to determine if one is right for you. Although each treatment is successful for a different proportion of patients, many patients find that using an auditory brainstem implant greatly improves their level of hearing and eliminates or greatly reduces their associated hearing loss. If you're suffering from this condition, you'll want to talk to your doctor about the benefits of this procedure. This post: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearing_aid has more info about this topic.
