Implantation of cochlear device

Procedure Information

What are cochlear implants?

Cochlear implants are electronic devices used to help enhance hearing. People with hearing impairment due to inner-ear problems can benefit from them. 

The inner ear is a neuronal structure responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals to be transmitted to your brain via the hearing nerve. 

A cochlear implant has two parts: a sound processor and a receiver. The sound processor is implanted behind the ear, and it captures sound waves. Then the processor will send these signals to the receiver, which is implanted under the skin. The receiver will send these signals to the inner ear to stimulate the auditory nerve.

Most people with cochlear implants exhibit noticeable improvement in their hearing abilities within a year. 

Why would I get a cochlear implant?

Cochlear implants are helpful for people whose hearing no longer improves with hearing aids. There are specific criteria that you need to be eligible for this procedure. They include:

• No medical condition that puts you at any risk related to cochlear implants.
• No longer benefit from hearing aids.
• Hearing loss that makes you unable to comprehend speech.

ًWhat happens during the procedure?

The procedure lasts for 3 hours and is done under general anesthesia, so you will be sleeping and won’t remember anything regarding the procedure.

• First, the surgeon will make a cut behind your ear to create a small hole in the mastoid bone of your skull.
• The surgeon will then make a small opening in the cochlea to insert the implant electrodes.
• An electronic device called a “receiver” will be implanted behind the ear under the skin.
• The surgeon then will the incision with stitches. 
• You will be discharged from the hospital a few hours after the procedure when the anesthesia effect wears off. 

What happens after the procedure?

You will develop some symptoms like dizziness or discomfort in your ear. When you leave the hospital, you will learn how to care for your stitches and your ear. The cochlear implant won’t be activated until at least six weeks after your surgery. This is to give your ear some time to heal. After six weeks, the external part of the implant will be added by your physician. The external part is a microphone, and a processor that receives signals from the external world amplifies them and sends them to the internal device, which will activate the cochlea.  

You will require multiple visits to your physician to adjust the implant. You will get used to it with time. This is a process that will require some patience and time to get good results.

Conclusion

You should immediately call your physician if you experience any abnormal symptoms like fever or drainage from the surgical site.

Cochlear implants will gradually improve your hearing abilities, but results differ from person to person depending on your age and your degree of hearing loss.

Resources 

Mayo Clinic: Cochlear implants

Johns Hopkins: Cochlear Implant Surgery