Cochlear implant surgery is a specialized surgical technique which is used to correct severe or profound hearing loss by placing an implant which has two components, one which sits behind the ear and the other one which is surgically placed under the skin. The benefit of a cochlear implant over a hearing aid is that a cochlear implant directly stimulates the auditory nerve which in turn signals to the brain which are recognized as sound signals whereas in a hear aid the sound is only amplified.
What is a cochlear implant ?
A cochlear implant is an electronic device which can be of great help in individuals suffering with profound hearing loss. A cochlear implant basically has the following components.
- A microphone which gathers sound from the surroundings
- A sound processor which processes the sounds received into electrical codes
- A transmitter or stimulator which transmits the sounds to the electrodes placed in the cochlea (inner ear)
- A group of electrodes placed in the cochlea which stimulate the auditory nerve which in turn sends signals to the brain.
Are you a suitable candidate for a cochlear implant surgery ?
If you are suffering from severe hearing loss and the same has not been appropriately corrected by the use of hearing aids then it’s recommended to seek consultation with an ENT surgeon to enquire about a cochlear implantation surgery.
Other conditions which can lead to severe hearing loss could be congenital hearing loss associated with Meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain), viral fever, use of drugs which are ototoxic (cause hearing problems), otosclerosis (overgrowth of bone in the ear), trauma during birth (forceps delivery), autoimmune diseases, injury to the organ of corti (the so called microphone of the body located in the inner ear) and presbycusis (age related deafness).
Can a cochlear implant surgery be performed in children ?
Yes children who are suffering with congenital hearing deficit can be potential candidates for a cochlear implantation surgery.
Are there any contraindications for a cochlear implant surgery ?
Cochlear implantation surgery is not indicated in individuals in whom the cause of hearing loss is damage to the auditory nerve or any damage to the brain stem as a cochlear implant requires a functional auditory nerve to transmit the signals to the brain. Other contraindications include any ear infection and a poorly developed cochlea (a snail shaped sense organ in the behind portion of the ear which translates the sound signals sent to the brain).
How do you decide to get a cochlear implant surgery done?
If you are experiencing severe hearing loss and have explored the other options like use of hearing aids and they have been not of much help ask your ENT (ear, nose throat) specialist for a cochlear implant surgery. The specialist will conduct a thorough inspection of the ear and would also conduct relevant tests like CT scan or an MRI scan along with audiometry tests to evaluate you as a candidate suitable for a cochlear implantation surgery. The specialist might also conduct a psychological examination to assess if you can adjust with the implant.
Once you are evaluated for a cochlear implantation surgery the operating surgeon along with an audiologist will evaluate for the type of implant indicated.
Does cochlear implant surgery require administration of general anesthesia ?
Yes
What happens during cochlear implant surgery ?
The operating surgeon will start the procedure after the commencement of anesthetic effect. The ear which is selected for implant placement is isolated and hair around it is shaved for better accessibility. The surgeon will make an incision, reflect the skin flap and will drill into the bone of the ear to locate the cochlea. The implant components are then placed one inside the cochlea and one underneath the skin flap. Intra-operative recordings of the implant to check the sound are taken and once they are appropriate the surgical wound is closed. A CT scan might be obtained to locate the exact position of the implant followed by the procedure. The patient is then transferred to a recovery room and medications for pain and antibiotics are administered intravenously. The procedure of a cochlear implantation takes about one hour to two hours.
What happens after cochlear implant surgery ?
After the surgery you may feel nauseated, dizzy or confused due to the effects of the general anesthesia. The bandages on the surgical site are changed by the nurse and if your condition is stable the specialist might discharge you from the hospital a day after the surgery. If surgical stitches are used you will be asked to visit the hospital in a week’s time to get them removed.
Will you be able to hear immediately after cochlear implant surgery ?
No. You will not be able to hear with the implant till it is turned on by ENT specialist or the audiologist. The implant is turned on only when the surgical site has completely healed which usually takes around 3-6 weeks.
How is an implant turned on?
The consultant will give you an appointment with an audiologist once your surgical site has healed and initial programming of the implant can be done. The audiologist will conduct a round of adjustments to make the implant best suited for your use and will also give you instructions as to how to use the device yourself. It is recommended if you a family member or someone who can understand the use of device to provide assistance.
What is your role in the success of the cochlear implant surgery ?
The most important role is yours related to the success of the implant. It is initially difficult to adapt to the new device and the new sounds. But, if you make an effort and practice the use of implant device training the results are very good. You will see for yourself that your hearing capability has improved after the implant placement.
How many cochlear implants one can get ?
Usually only one ear is indicated for a cochlear implantation on thorough clinical examination and CT scan evaluation. In certain individuals implants can be placed in both the ears. The operating surgeon will evaluate if you require a single implant or implant in both the ears.
What are the risks of the cochlear implant surgery ?
Surgical risks could be similar to any other surgical procedure like bleeding, infection at the surgical site or side effects of general anesthesia.
What is the outcome of a cochlear implant surgery ?
A cochlear implantation surgery improves the hearing ability in individuals suffering with profound hearing loss and improves their overall quality of life. They are better than hearing aids as they function on the principle of sound conduction rather than amplification of the sound. Implantation of cochlear implants also makes it easier for one to interact in noisy environments and the sound produced is clearer in quality. With the advancements in the field of medicine and surgery the success rates of cochlear implantation surgeries have been on the rise. Appropriate consultation with your ENT specialist is essential to understand if you are a suitable candidate for a cochlear implantation surgery.
How to find ENT surgeons for cochlear implant surgery ?
Now you can find ENT surgeons for cochlear implant surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple ENT surgeons, get cost estimates for cochlear implant surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a ENT surgeon for cochlear implant surgery.
Find and choose a ENT surgeon for cochlear implant surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
