Treatment

Cochlear Implant Surgery

Overview

A cochlear implant is a surgical hearing implant designed to help individuals with severe hearing loss who do not benefit from traditional hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids which amplify sound a cochlear implant directly stimulates the cochlear nerve allowing individuals to perceive sound. The procedure involves implanting a small electronic device into the inner ear which sends sound signals to the brain.

Why Cochlear Implant Surgery is Required?

A cochlear implant surgery is recommended for people with profound hearing loss who do not benefit from hearing aids. It is especially helpful for:

• Children and adults with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.
• Individuals struggling with speech recognition despite using hearing aids.
• People who have lost their hearing later in life and want to regain the ability to understand speech.
• Children born with severe hearing impairment as early implantation can improve language development.

Key Advantages of Cochlear Implant Surgery

• Enables individuals with severe deafness to hear sounds and understand speech.
• Improves communication skills and quality of life.
• Helps children with hearing loss develop speech and language skills at an early age.
• Reduces dependence on lip reading and sign language.
• Provides a more natural hearing experience compared to hearing aids.
• Long lasting solution with advanced implanted hearing devices.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Taking Cochlear Implant Surgery Treatment?

• Hearing Tests: Doctor will conduct audiological tests to assess hearing loss.
• Medical Evaluation: A cochlear ear implant requires imaging tests like CT scan or MRI to check inner ear structures.
• Counseling: The patient and family must understand how cochlear implants work, expected results and follow-up care.
• Pre Surgery Guidelines: Doctors may advise stopping certain medications before surgery.

How Cochlear Implant Surgery is Performed?

• Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia.
• Incision: A small incision is made behind the ear to access the inner ear.
• Implant Placement: The CI implant is carefully inserted into the cochlea.
• Electrode Positioning: Electrodes are placed inside the cochlear nerve to send signals to the brain.
• Closure: The incision is closed and the external processor is placed later.

The surgery typically takes two to four hours and the patient can go home the same day or the next.

What You Can Expect?

1. Before the Procedure

• Detailed hearing assessment and imaging scans.
• Understanding the cochlear implant cost and procedure expectations.
• Pre operative counseling.

2. During the Procedure

• Performed under general anesthesia.
• Surgery lasts about 2-4 hours.
• Minimal discomfort as the procedure is minimally invasive.

3. After the Procedure

• Healing time is around 2 weeks before activation.
• First activation of the cochlear implant takes place after healing.
• Gradual adjustment period to learn how to interpret sounds.

Risk and Potential Complications

While cochlear implant surgery is generally safe, some risks include:

• Infection or swelling at the surgical site.
• Dizziness or balance issues for a short time.
• Device failure (very rare, may require replacement).
• Facial nerve injury (extremely rare but possible).
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) after implantation.

Results/Outcomes

• Most patients gradually improve hearing within weeks to months.
• With therapy individuals can recognise speech and environmental sounds.
• Children implanted at an early age develop better language skills.
• Adults with recent hearing loss adapt more quickly.
• Success rate is high with many patients reporting better quality of life.