*MYTH: A Cochlear implant will give you cancer *Reality: I know many C.I wearers and this is simply untrue - i have a friend who has had herimplant for nearly 20 years and is still just as healthy and doing well
*MYTH : Cochlear Implants fix or cure deafness *Reality Cochlear Implants do not cure or fix deafness. They provide an improved perception of sound, but anybody with a Cochlear implant, no matter how much they benefit from it, will tell you that they are not "cured" or "fixed". When the speech processor is turned off, there is no sound.
*MYTH : The operation is brain surgery and the implant will go into the brain * Reality: The electrodes go into the Cochlea (Part of the inner Ear), not the brain. At no time is the brain uncovered, exposed, touched, or probed, the Neurelec implant I am having is embedded under the scalp not the skull. However if you you are having a ABI which is called Auditory Brain Stem implant this will be inserted close to the brain- these are usually for people who have vestibulocochlear nerve damage please look at link for further info as im not really sure how they work : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auditory_brainstem_implant
*MYTH: The cord for the Cochlear Implant comes out of the neck * Reality: No cords come out of the neck, or any other part of the body. The internal portion of the Cochlear Implant is completely separate from the external part.
*MYTH: After someone gets a Cochlear Implant, they're immediately able to hear normally and talk on the phone. *Reality: Results are not straight away, and as mentioned above, vary from individuals. It takes time for the brain to learn to understand and process these new sounds, some of which may not have ever been heard before.
*MYTH: People with Cochlear Implants are only able to distinguish environmental noises, not comprehend speech. *Reality :This is dependent on a number of things. Some get little more than an improved awareness of environmental sound. Some are able to comprehend speech without lip-reading.The implant is usually designed for speech but there is an on going project at present at my CI centre in southampton to research how music can be intregated into the listening process.
*MYTH: Can someone who has an implant hear on the telephone? *Reality: Again this is down to individual for some this is not always possible - it depends on the varying degree of knowledge of sound prior to being implanted - some centres are providing training for this.
*MYTH: You can hear perfectly once implanted * Reality: For the most part, people report hearing a robotic sound or “Mickey Mouse” (if they’re lucky). It may take a month or two or three to start really understanding speech. People often have to engage in therapy. The audiologist will usually send “homework” home with the implantee. Remember, if you haven’t used that part of the brain in years, it can be a long process for you to adapt.
*MYTH: The internal piece erodes later in life. *Reality:The internal component is made with titanium, which does not corrode
*MYTH: I will be unable to do sports such as swimming with the implant? *Reality: You shall be able to swim - as the implant is internal - your processor will have to be removed, however it is advised that if you are doing extreme sports that you are aware of the risk that it could result in head injury and damage the implant so most people tend to avoid this- if however you decide to do so a helmet maybe required in some sports -its always best to check with your centre for advice on this.
DISCLAIMER: many of these facts are as a result of what i have asked - i have tried to answer these as carefully i can - however I would advise individuals to ask the centre you are abt to encounter the assessments and implant with for further information as i am no expert.
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