A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device that works by directly stimulating the auditory nerve to provide a sense of sound to individuals with profound hearing loss.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Those with profound hearing loss in both ears where the hearing nerve still works.
People who have tried common best-in-class sound amplifying hearing aids but cannot find a solution to their hearing problems.
Those who are robust enough to undergo surgery to introduce the cochlear implant.
Children who were born with severe to profound deafness who are at least 12 months old.
Older children who have become deaf after learning to speak or who have progressing or acquired hearing loss and do not receive any benefit from hearing aids.
SUCCESS
80% of adults and 90% of children report improved hearing following the procedure.
Improvements are generally most significant in situations such as close conversations and when listening to environmental sounds, but there may not be such a huge change in the perception of distant noises or conversations in noisy environments.
RECOVERY TIME
- After the initial implantation procedure, a recovery time of 4-6 weeks is standard. You can return to work and your normal social life 1-2 weeks after surgery.
- Regular checkups are recommended following the activation of the implant, and there may be a need for further work with audiologists to improve comprehension and to find the right settings for the implant.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
- Facial nerve damage during surgery (below 1% incidence)
- Other complications of surgery could include infections such as meningitis, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, tinnitus, vertigo attacks, or a sensation of numbness at the point of incision
- A temporary “metallic” taste
- Many patients lose any residual hearing they have in the affected ear(s)
- Implant failure (4% rate), requiring removal or replacement
BEFORE TREATMENT
Before the initial implantation operation, talk to your doctor in-depth about the procedure. If you are taking any medications, be sure to let your doctor know.
Take notes about your current hearing levels, paying attention to high and low-frequency sounds. This will help to understand the effects of the cochlear implant during the fitting process.
DURING TREATMENT
Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Make sure you have a person with you who can take you home after the procedure.
AFTER TREATMENT
While you can usually return to work soon after the operation, be sure to discuss this with your surgeon and audiologist. Take on any information they have to give about your recovery, and take it easy – having a cochlear implant is an invasive procedure, and your body needs time to recover proper
