Cochlear Implant

Domingo51

My DH who is 77 has mid stage Alzheimers , tinnitus and severe hearing loss. He qualifies for a cochlear Implant. I was hoping someone has gone through the experience of their loved one getting one. I am concerned about how my DH will handle getting used to it and ability to do so. Any help much appreciated.

harshedbuzz

Two issues would concern me specific to dementia:

Firstly, this is generally a 2-hour surgery done under general anesthesia. I would be hesitant to subject a PWD to general surgery for an elective procedure.

Secondly, success requires considerable therapy to learn to interpret sounds. This is not a passive endeavor like getting new glasses. PWD in the mid stages don't typically have the ability to learn new things and often struggle to comply with PT, OT and SLT; I would expect the same here.

Domingo51

Your remarks validate my concerns. The ENT doctor who recommended implant made light of the rehab issues necessary for it to work successfully for my husband with ALZ. We have appointment w Cochlear doctor coming up and will pose those concerns with him. I really appreciate your feedback.

Domingo51

I would love to hear from anyone whose loved one with Alzheimer's managed the Cochlear Implant process.

JJ401

DH here fell at the end of January resulting in a brain bleed and a fracture of temporal bone resulting in hearing loss. He is getting hearing aids. The audiologist said that if he were younger he would be a candidate for a cochlear implant. But, due to his age (83) and Alzheimer’s, they said he is not. The learning curve would be too great for him.

Domingo51

Thank you for taking the time to share your husbands experience.