Cochlear implant surgery entails a professional inserting electronic devices into a damaged ear. The cochlear implant bypasses dysfunctional areas of the ear and delivers sound directly to the auditory nerve. This procedure offers great promise to patients experiencing moderate to significant hearing loss who find hearing aids unhelpful.

The American Cochlear Implant (ACI) Alliance aims to advance access to cochlear implantation. Since 2011, our organization has focused on advocacy, awareness, and research to eliminate barriers to this life-changing technology. Contact us to learn more information or find a cochlear implant clinic near you.

What does cochlear surgery involve?

While this cochlear surgery is a low-risk procedure, patients will receive general anesthesia. The process takes approximately 1- 3 hours and so typically occurs as an outpatient procedure. It involves two components: an external microphone/receiver and a surgically inserted cochlear implant device. When activated 2-4 weeks after surgery, the receiver transmits electrical signals to the cochlear implant, which stimulates the auditory nerve.

To begin the cochlear implant surgical process, a surgeon makes a 4-6 cm incision behind the ear and opens the mastoid bone, which leads into the middle ear. Next, they open the hearing portion of the ear (the cochlea) and implants the electrode array. They then place the receiver/stimulator under the skin behind the ear and secure it in place. To finish, the surgeon closes the incision and applies a head dressing to protect the wound.

After surgery, doctors will observe the patient for two hours before discharging them. Patients receive instructions on how to care for the incision, how to change the dressing, and when to return for a follow-up appointment. 

What are the risks AND POTENTIAL side effects of THIS urgery?

Cochlear implantation surgery risks are the same or lower than other common ear surgeries. Rarely the following can occur:

• Bleeding and/or swelling at the incision site
• Infection in the area of the implant
• Ringing (tinnitus) in the implanted ear
• Dizziness or vertigo (typically resolves within a few days after surgery)
• Change in taste/dry mouth (typically resolves within a few weeks or months after surgery)
• Numbness around the incision site
• Injury to the facial nerve (extraordinarily rare)
  
  

Will there be pain after surgery?

Pain tolerance is different for everyone, but in general the pain is mild-to-moderate and can be controlled with oral pain medications, if needed, for a few days. 

what can i expect after cochlear implant surgery?

Full recovery for cochlear implant surgery generally takes 3-4 weeks. That said, most patients return to routine activities (such as work and school) after a week. Mild to moderate pain may last up to a week after surgery but can be controlled with oral pain medications.

Patients should avoid sports and exercise for at least 1-2 weeks following surgery (and swimming for 4-6 weeks). However, cochlear implantation recovery and rehabilitation can differ between patients. Consult a professional about your recovery plan.

Once the incision site heals fully, your audiologist will program the external receiver and activate the implant. Cochlear implants require regular care. We recommend that patients seek professional support for annual or biannual programming and maintenance.

To learn more about this procedure or locate the nearest cochlear implant clinic, contact ACI Alliance today.