All devices are expensive and, therefore, not available to millions of people in the developing world. Changing the focus of the speech processing strategy from stimulus based signal to response based may be one way of making cheaper and better devices and in narrowing the gap in outcome. This is already happening and results are promising. Cochlear implants are suitable for some people who have severe to profound sensorineural deafness in both ears, and who cannot gain significant benefits from conventional hearing aids. The cochlear implant bypasses damaged hair cells in the cochlea, and sends electrical signals along the nerve to the brain.
Implants are suitable for adults who become profoundly deaf after acquiring speech.
Any adult who is being considered for an implant must have some memory of sound. This helps them to make sense of the signals which the implant passes to their brain. Cochlear implants are suitable both for people who have been deaf for years, and for people who have become deaf recently. Implant may also be suitable for children. Press here for more details.