Cochlear Implant Surgery
A cochlear implant is an electrical device that is used to improve hearing. That could be an option for people who have severe inner ear damage and are unable to hear well with hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids, which amplified sound, a cochlear implant transmits sound impulses directly to the hearing (auditory) nerve by avoiding compromised parts of the ear. It can improve hearing for someone with a severe hearing loss when hearing aids are no longer helpful. Cochlear implants can improve their quality of life and communication skills.Children as young as 6 to 12 months old and adults of any age can benefit from cochlear implants.
About Cochlear Implant Surgery
Cochlear implants can be placed in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral), depending on the individual’s hearing needs. Adults often start with one hearing aid in one ear and a cochlear implant in the other. As hearing loss progresses in the ear with the hearing aid, they may transition to using two cochlear implants. For children with severe bilateral hearing loss, cochlear implants are frequently placed in both ears simultaneously, especially in infants and young children who are still developing their speech and language skills.
The surgery typically lasts around two hours, and patients receive general anaesthesia to ensure they are asleep throughout the procedure. Although complications are rare, they can include:
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Bleeding
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Facial paralysis
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Infection at the surgery site
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Device infection
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Balance issues
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Dizziness
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Taste alterations
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New or worsened ear noise (tinnitus)
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Spinal fluid leak
Procedure of Cochlear Implant Surgery
Cochlear implant surgery is performed in a hospital or clinic and generally takes about two hours. Patients are given general anaesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.
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Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear and creates an opening in the mastoid bone to access the cochlea.
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Electrode Placement: Implant electrodes are carefully placed inside the cochlea, which is crucial for stimulating the auditory nerve.
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Internal Processor Installation: An internal processor is positioned in a pocket between the muscle and bone behind the ear. This processor receives sound information from an external speech processor that the patient will wear on the outside of the skin.
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Closure: After placing the electrodes and processor, the surgeon closes the incisions.
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Recovery: The patient is then moved to a recovery area, where they are monitored closely as they awaken from anaesthesia.
Once the patient is stable, they can go home to rest. During the initial healing period, the hearing on the side of the implant will differ from normal hearing, and the device will be programmed a few weeks later to ensure optimal functioning. During this recovery period, patients are not allowed to wear a hearing aid in the surgically repaired ear. This careful approach helps ensure the best outcomes for cochlear implant recipients.