Cochlear Implant research sprint
In this research sprint, I felt very inspired when I was hearing problems people were facing when dealing with hearing loss. After some research, I found that Cochlear implants are something I would love to try improving on. Below will show some of the learnings I found and even my thought process on how I would approach some of these problems.
24 Hour Research Sprint
What Is It and How Does It Work?
Cochlear implants are a procedure done to enhance hearing in people that are hard of hearing or even deaf. The procedure includes implanting a simulator and a receiver into your head with an electrode spiraling through your Cochlea. On the outside, they will connect a transmitter with a microphone and speech processor. This product will create sounds from the electrodes to transmit to the speaker that they place in your ear.
Products Currently on The Market
Baha® 6 Max Sound Processor
*$4000-$8000
This 26mm small design allows for an output level of up to 55dB SNHL. The high water and dust protection device also connects straight to your Andriod or Apple device to stream sound to your device. It also has a feature to balance sound so things do not get too quiet or loud.
Nucleus® 8 Sound Processor
*$10,550
Can connect with public venues that support Bluetooth Auracast. This allows you to automatically connect with places like airports or even movie theaters. Also has an app integrated to allow you to control sound focuses.
Osia® Sound Processor
*Cost
This small device is a made-for-iPhone device that will enhance sounds in nature. It allows for easy use with no wired attached and also uses SmartSound IQ Technology to evenly distribute sounds for easy hearing.
*Cost varies due to what insurances will cover as well as service and payment plans
Dr. Thomas Chung
Pediatric Otolaryngology(ENT) Surgeon
Dr.Chung is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist that has performed many Cochlear Implants. He has seen the process from diagnosing patients to even after surgery patient care to fully understand the situation of Cochlear Implants.
Key points during interview:
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A big problem with these surgeries is how users will feel self-conscious when wearing this because they feel embarrassed.
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Some people also do not actually enjoy hearing to the full scale at first, the process it takes is pretty lengthy when it comes to the patient feeling comfortable.
Emotional Impact
As much as this is a very positive and impactful time for these users. I have come across a lot of negative comments and reviews when it comes to this product.
One big negative that I saw was the look of the implant and how users felt self-conscious when it came to people seeing your implant from a distance. It amazed me to know that age was not an issue when it came to this problem. This was one of the biggest eye-openers for me because I found that users will, unfortunately, risk their own hearing by not wearing and utilizing this tool.
Problems that I Have seen
During this research phase, I wanted to organize some of the problems that I have seen or heard about within this industry. I utilized interviews, articles, as well as videos to gain more knowledge about the product and user experience.
Does not fully restore hearing
Everyone that goes through this comes out with different results, so it is difficult to guarantee what the outcome will be like.
Maintenance
Because this is not a permanent solution, maintenance is something that unfourtunatly has to happen quite often.
Cost
Although most insurances cover most of the costs, if you are in a situation where it does not, the costs will add up fast.
Activities
The rules state that you are allowed to cooropoate in less active sports, but for more high contact activities, you may need to remove your device.
Surgery
Surgeries are always something that come with risks and side effects. Even though this is not a very harsh procedure, it is still a surgery by the end of the day.
Bulky look
Even though there are many options that hide a lot of the product, it is still something that people do not like because it tends to stand out quite easily.
Benefits of This Implant
During this research phase, I wanted to organize some of the benefits that I have seen or heard about within this industry. I utilized interviews, articles, as well as videos to gain more knowledge about the product and user experience.
Solution to Hard of Hearing
This solution has helped thousands of people and has improved hearing in people that could barely hear before
Empathy
Although this process can be very hard mentally, Cochlear has created many resources to spread positivity with world. The link below will show a whole tab on ongoing care and support.
Surgery
The surgery portion is fairly routine and even has a short recovery time
Technology
The integrated technology in these devices allows you to access sounds straight from the source like movies, gates at the airport, or even your phone noises.
Activities
Having specific attachments will allow you to cooporate in activities like swimming and other water sports.
Can Help Many People
This procedure can be used for all ages and can reach all kinds of people