Cochlear Implants - Are You a Candidate?

Cochlear implant surgery is a surgery done by placing an electronic device to replace the function of the inner ear. Unlike the hearing aids these implants do not amplify sound, instead they send sound in the form of electrical signals (by bypassing damaged parts of the ear) through the auditory nerve to the brain.

The surgery is safe and therefore you can rely on the same for improving your hearing ability. This surgery for hearing loss is suitable for both seniors and kids who have got auditory issues.

Who Can Benefit From Cochlear Implants?

• The Cochlear implant procedure is suitable for -
• Patients who suffer from moderate to acute hearing loss in both the ears
• People who are born deaf
• Those who are not benefited from other hearing aids

However, the candidacy for this procedure can also be confirmed by an ENT specialist after a thorough examination.

The Procedure

• A cochlear implant surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia which ease the severity of the pain experienced.
• A small incision will be made behind the ear and a hole will be made on the bone through which the implant will be inserted
• Next step will be to insert the electrode into the cochlea (inner ear)
• A component called the receiver will be inserted into a pocket made behind the ear. This ensures that the device is held in place and is close to the skin to transfer the electrical signals.

Recovery

The entire process lasts between three to four hours. This is not a major surgery but the patient may have to stay overnight for observation. There would be a few stitches and bandages behind the ear and the patient will have to return after a week for a follow-up.

When can the patient start to hear?

The patient will not be able to hear soon after the operation. You can hear only after you receive the external parts. There would be a waiting period for 3 to 6 weeks to ensure that the wound has healed completely and once the swelling goes away your doctor will do the fitting and programming. The patient will then work side by side with audiologists and speech therapists to improve communication.

Precautions

There are no severe restrictions for people living with implants; however, they should avoid contact sports since it can cause damage to the implant. And since the implant parts are made of metal you will not be able to get an MRI scan.

Benefits of cochlear implants

• Hearing-loss is a severe issue and hearing-aids don’t work for everyone. This is the reason ear implants for hearing loss have been gaining massive popularity.
• Bilateral hearing can be highly facilitated by cochlear implants. Sounds from two-ears are being merged effectively and so that you can hear sounds clearly. More dimensional and richer sounds will be delivered to your ears with the usage of these implants.

Factors affecting cochlear implants

• Cochlear implant procedure is dependent on hearing-loss severity.
• Cochlear condition.
• Medical conditions.
• Practising intensity of these implants.
• Hearing-loss tenure.
• Best features of cochlear-implant devices
• Cochlear-implant devices can be mechanically operated and they are medically approved devices preventing hear-loss.
• Damaged inner-ear functionality can be completely replaced by these devices for improving hearing capacity.
• These devices have got better compatibility with MP3players, mobile phones and other related audio devices.
• Innumerable wearing options can be availed out of which the best one can be chosen that can fulfil your lifestyle needs.
• Remote controls can be used for making flexible usage of these devices.
• These devices are battery-operated and the batteries can be recharged from time to time. Moreover, only eco-friendly batteries are being used in these devices.
  
  
  For more information, mail us: info@vikramenthospital.com  /  call: +91-422-2550633