The journey to better hearing with an Advanced Bionics CI is a process. As your child’s brain becomes familiar with the way sounds are being transmitted from the implant, your child will make rapid, continual progress, learning to recognise the different sounds they hear—whether it’s speech or a car beeping.
To smooth the way, Advanced Bionics uses the most cutting-edge technology and offers comprehensive support and educational tools on your child’s journey to better hearing.
Visit HearingJourney.com to engage with other families who have chosen the Advanced Bionics CI and learn about their experiences.
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants require a surgical procedure. While any type of surgery has associated risks, it is important to know that complications are extremely rare. Keep in mind that surgery is a necessary but brief part of the process, and that hundreds of thousands of people have undergone the procedure all around the world. Most go home the same day or the very next day. It is also important to know that having surgery doesn’t automatically mean your child will lose whatever hearing ability they may have.
After the implantation, you and your child may experience the roller coaster of “hurry up and wait,” as activation of the cochlear implant typically takes place two to four weeks after the procedure—depending on the healing process.
Initial stimulation (being “switched on”) will take place in your child’s audiologist’s office, and is an extremely exciting and emotional milestone. During this appointment, the audiologist will also create a customised set of listening programs for the external sound processor, and show you how to use and take care of the CI. This initial activation process will vary depending on your particular cochlear implant center.
Follow-up programming and training sessions to improve your child’s hearing performance are typically scheduled in the weeks and months following the initial session. Long-term, your child will have frequent check-ups to ensure they’re getting the most out of the implant.
While the implant is designed for life, Phonak and Advanced Bionics are continually developing new external components that can improve your child’s hearing. The regular check-ups will dictate which product upgrades, features, etc. will benefit your child the most as they grow.
And of course, Advanced Bionics will continue to support your child’s journey to better hearing with educational resources, technical support, and outstanding customer service to ensure that they stay powerfully connected to a full world of sound.
Getting a cochlear implant is only the beginning of your child’s hearing journey. Their needs will evolve over the years as they mature, develop, and embrace new challenges such as school, sports, relationships, and work.
Your child should have the ability to actively participate in every activity they enjoy—from swimming to gaming, and everything in between. That’s why we offer a broad set of accessories that will ensure your child gets the most out of life with their implant.
The Advanced Bionics and Phonak Research and Development teams are on the forefront of the latest innovations so your child’s hearing improves as technology advances. You can be sure that as your child’s needs change as they grow, we’ll be there every step of the way. That’s our commitment to you.
Up to 40% of children with hearing loss have additional developmental disabilities. If your child has special needs beyond hearing loss, we are fully equipped with specially-designed tools and technologies that will cater to your child’s unique needs. Our goal is to assist you in supporting your child’s development in the best way possible.
Stimulating early language and communication skills through play and social activities is key. Our Waterproof Battery ensures ensure young children are actively engaged at bath time, in the swimming pool, and in other active settings. This means they never miss an opportunity for social bonding and language development.
Hearing is a vital component during school-age years, helping your child develop complex cognitive skills and fostering the transition from solitary play to interacting in social groups. Our CI features integrated Roger™ technology that helps your child learn in the classroom, connect on the playground, and prepare for learning as a teen and adult.
These are the years your child undergoes many physical, mental, emotional, and social changes. The ability to hear is especially important in helping your teenager adapt to these changes. Our Naída™ CI Connect receiver offers the ability to stream directly and connect to any Bluetooth®-enabled device—keeping them involved, connected, and prepared for more independence and responsibilities.
We become more self-aware and in control of our behavior as adults—managing relationships and the social factors that affect us. Having had a CI for most of their life, your child will have gained years of confidence and skills needed for this higher stage of development. Our Roger™ Table Mic II will help them thrive in the workplace, always being at the center of the discussion in meetings and social settings.
