Cochlear Implant

Who needs cochlear implant?

People who have hearing loss that cannot be adequately addressed with hearing aids and that interferes with daily activities, you may be a candidate for a cochlear implant. It can be an option for people who have severe hearing loss from inner-ear damage who are not able to hear well with hearing aids.

When to see a specialist?

If you have hearing loss that cannot be adequately addressed with hearing aids and that interferes with daily activities, then you must consult a doctor.

Procedure

• Anesthesia: – Cochlear implant surgery is done under general anesthesia to avoid discomfort and pain.

• The Incision: – Your surgeon will make a small cut behind your ear and form a small hole in the portion of skull bone (mastoid) where the internal device rests.

• To place electrodes: – Your surgeon will then create a small opening in the cochlea to thread the electrode of the internal device.

• Closing Incision: – Your surgeon uses sutures to close the incision behind your ear.

Recovery

Cochlear implant surgery is an outpatient procedure. However, After the procedure you might experience pressure or discomfort over the ear that has the device implanted, Dizziness or nausea for a short time.

Risks

Risks of cochlear implantation can include:

• Nerve damage

• Meningitis

• Loss of residual hearing

• Dizziness

• Tinnitus

• Spinal fluid leak

Benefits of cochlear implants

Cochlear Implants improved the ability to hear speech without needing visual cues such as reading lips, recognition of everyday environmental sounds, and the ability to listen in a noisy environment.

Frequently Asked Questions.

1. What is a cochlear implant?

   A cochlear implant is a small, complex electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard-of-hearing. The implant consists of an external portion that sits behind the ear and a second portion that is surgically placed under the skin.

2. How is cochlear implant performed?

   Your surgeon will make a small incision behind your ear and form a small hole in the portion of skull bone (mastoid) where the internal device rests. Then he will create a small opening in the cochlea in order to thread the electrode of the internal device. The skin incision is stitched closed so that the internal device is under your skin.

3. Is cochlear implant painful?

   Cochlear implant is performed under general anesthesia to avoid any discomfort and to make a pain-free procedure.

4. How long does cochlear implant take?

   Cochlear implantation is performed as outpatient surgery. You may go home the same day. The procedure usually lasts about two hours.

5. What are the risks of cochlear implant?

   While cochlear implant is safe procedure, various risks include Nerve damage, meningitis, loss of residual hearing, dizziness, tinnitus, spinal fluid leak etc.