Hearing Rehabilitation Unit for Implant Users

The Hearing Implant Rehabilitation Unit cares for people with severe or profound hearing loss who do not derive sufficient functional benefit from conventional hearing aids and require an implantable solution to restore their ability to perceive sound.

It intervenes when hearing impairment compromises communication, independence or personal development, and it is necessary to assess advanced surgical options.

Assessment of severe hearing loss

The Unit is aimed at people with profound sensorineural hearing loss, complex mixed hearing loss or anatomical conditions that prevent the effective use of conventional hearing aids.

Assessment is particularly recommended when conventional amplification does not provide adequate speech understanding or when there are malformations, post-surgical complications or chronic middle ear conditions that hinder its use.

The initial aim is to determine the most suitable type of implant and to confirm that the individual meets the necessary clinical, anatomical and functional criteria for its use.

Audiological assessment and surgical planning

The process begins with a comprehensive audiological assessment, imaging studies and a detailed anatomical analysis of the ear and the auditory canal.

This assessment enables us to confirm the feasibility of surgery and select the most appropriate device. Each case is assessed individually, taking into account age, the degree of hearing loss, anatomy and functional expectations.

In particularly complex situations, such as patients requiring prior middle ear surgery, planning is carried out in accordance with rigorous safety and neurological preservation criteria.

Hearing implants and specialist surgery

The Unit has expertise in bone-conduction implants, active middle-ear implants, cochlear implants and brainstem implants for selected indications.

The choice of device is based on clinical criteria and the available scientific evidence. The surgical procedure is planned to ensure the stability of the implant and minimise risks, adapting the technique to the individual’s anatomy.

In complex cases, the strategy may require advanced approaches to address pre-existing conditions and create optimal conditions for implantation.

Programming and auditory rehabilitation

Surgery is just one stage of the process. Following implantation, the device is individually programmed and a planned hearing rehabilitation programme begins.

This follow-up includes regular technical adjustments, auditory training and monitoring of progress, with the aim of optimising the implant’s performance and promoting a gradual and stable adaptation.

Clear information and support throughout the process

The decision to have a hearing implant fitted involves significant expectations and concerns. From the very first consultation, we take the time needed to explain how the implant works, what realistic goals can be achieved, and the subsequent adaptation process.

The patient and their family and friends understand that hearing recovery is a gradual process and requires active involvement. Decision-making is a shared process, weighing up the benefits, risks and functional expectations.

A scheduled programme of follow-up appointments is established to allow for adjustments to the programming and to assess functional progress. Coordination between surgeons, audiologists and other specialists ensures long-term continuity of care.

The Unit combines rigorous assessment, specialised surgery and a person-centred clinical approach, providing clear information, time to make an informed decision and ongoing support throughout the entire hearing rehabilitation process.