This article will help you learn about the cochlear implantation procedure and how to prepare for it.
What is Cochlear Implant Surgery?
A cochlear implant is a treatment for individuals with deafness or hearing loss. It is an electronic device surgically implanted to help improve hearing.
These devices are most suitable for people with significant hearing loss in one or both ears who have difficulty communicating, even with hearing aids.
The cochlear implant consists of an external part located behind the ear and a second part surgically placed under the skin. The device contains the following components:
A microphone that picks up sound from the environment.
A speech processor, which selects and arranges sounds picked up by the microphone.
A transmitter and receiver/stimulator, which receives signals from the speech processor and converts them into electrical pulses.
An electrode array, which is a set of electrodes that gather impulses from the stimulator and send them to different areas of the auditory nerve.
This procedure requires rehabilitation and training after surgery to achieve the best possible hearing ability.
When is Cochlear Implantation Performed?
Cochlear implants can improve hearing in individuals with severe hearing loss who are no longer able to hear using hearing aids. Cochlear implantation can enhance their communication and quality of life.
Children of any age, including those under 6 to 12 months, can benefit from cochlear implants.
Early cochlear implantation helps with:
The ability to hear speech without visual cues, such as lip reading.
Recognition of everyday environmental sounds.
The ability to listen in noisy environments.
The ability to locate the source of sounds.
The ability to hear television programs, music, and telephone conversations.
Reducing symptoms of ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) in the implanted ear.
How to Prepare for Cochlear Implant Surgery?
Before the procedure:
Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you, and you can ask questions.
You will be asked to sign a consent form granting permission to perform the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if there is something unclear.
You will be asked about the last time you ate or drank anything. If the procedure is planned and requires general anesthesia, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the procedure.
Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to any medication or anesthesia.
Inform your healthcare provider of all medications (prescribed and over-the-counter), vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking.
Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. You may be asked to stop these medications before the procedure.
Follow any other instructions your doctor provides to prepare.
Common tests performed include:
Examination of the outer, middle, and inner ear for signs of infection.
Various hearing tests, such as an audiogram.
Trial use of hearing aids to evaluate their potential benefit.
Tests to assess the structures of the middle and inner ear.
Computed Tomography (CT) scan.
This type of X-ray helps the doctor determine if the cochlea has a normal shape and may also indicate which ear should be implanted.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Psychological evaluation to determine if the patient can handle the implantation.
Physical examination to prepare for general anesthesia.
Speech therapy may also be recommended as part of rehabilitative treatment after cochlear implantation.
