Hearing and Hearing Loss


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There are four types of hearing loss:
The first and most common type is 
Sensorineural hearing loss which is the first and most common type it results from missing or damaged sensory cells (hair cells) in the cochlea. 
Neural hearing loss occurs when the auditory nerve cannot send signals to the brain. 

The Audiogram

Audiogram: Picture of an Audiogram Explained
An audiogram is a graph illustrating a person’s usable hearing and the amount of hearing loss that an individual has for each ear. Along the top of the graph, the numbers range from 125 to 8000. These numbers refer to frequencies, or different pitches of sound.

Frequency is expressed in cycles per second, or Hertz. The higher the frequency, the higher the pitch of the sound. For example, 250 Hertz (Hz) sounds like the dripping of a faucet, while the high-pitched ringing of the telephone is about 8000 Hz.

Loudness is measured in units called decibels. Zero decibels (0 dB) doesn't mean "no sound". It is just very soft. Conversational voice level is around 65 dB, and 120 dB is very, very loud – about as loud as a jet taking off when you are standing just 25 meters away. The numbers along the side of the graph are hearing levels in decibels.

During a hearing test, an audiologist presents sounds one frequency at a time. The softest tone at which a person can hear at each frequency is marked on the audiogram at that frequency and intensity. This is called the "hearing threshold".

Your audiogram is a "picture" of your hearing. It indicates how much your hearing varies from normal and, if there is a hearing loss, where the problem might be located. There are different types and degrees of hearing loss. Depending on the part of the ear that is affected, experts generally distinguish between four main types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss, sensor neural hearing loss, mixed hearing loss and neural hearing loss.

An audiologist or hearing specialist can help you to determine if you have a hearing loss. Depending on the degree or severity, they will recommend an appropriate solution.


The Optimal Solution


MED−EL offers the following hearing implant solutions:

Candidacy for Cochlear Implants

Cochlear Implants

for individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.

Candidacy for EAS

Combined Electric Acoustic Stimulation

for individuals with partial deafness.

Candidacy for Middle Ear Implants

Middle Ear Implants


Candidacy for Bone Conduction Implants

Bone Conduction Implants

for individuals with conductive and mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness.


Candidacy for Cochlear Implant

By electrically stimulating nerve fibres in the cochlea, cochlear implants allow recipients to perceive sound.The MAESTRO Cochlear Implant System is an effective, high performance solution for individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. Most users can enjoy music or successfully participate in conversation, even in the most challenging listening situations.
Who Can Benefit from a Cochlear Implant System (CI)?
MED−EL cochlear implants, including the MAESTRO Cochlear Implant System, are being implanted successfully in over 90 countries worldwide by both prelingually and postlingually deafened children and adults. While it is not possible to predict exact benefits for each cochlear implant user, the following guidelines may be helpful:

  • Implantation at a young age is highly recommended because hearing is important for language development and because research has shown better outcomes for children implanted at an early age. Older children and adults with previous speech and language development generally perform better with a cochlear implant. A long period of profound hearing loss may limit the benefits of a cochlear implant.

A cochlear implant is designed for: 
Children with a severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears. Age at implantation may be as young as several months, depending on individual circumstances and local practices

  • Adults with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears.
  • Individuals who receive little or no benefit from hearing aids.
  • Individuals with access to education and (re)habilitation follow-up programmes.

Cochlear Implant System for Hearing Loss

MAESTROTM Cochlear Implant System, for severe to profound sensor neural hearing loss