Cochlear implant surgery has changed the lives of countless individuals across the world with severe to profound hearing loss. While hearing aids amplify sound, cochlear implants work differently–they bypass both the damaged areas of the ear and the signals sent to the brain, enabling the individual to perceive sound in a more enhanced manner. Before going for the surgery, it is of utmost importance for the patient and the caregivers to understand what cochlear implant surgery entails and what to expect. Here are 5 basic things every patient needs to know about cochlear implant surgery.
- Cochlear Implants are not the same as Hearing Aids
One of the biggest misconceptions is that cochlear implants are like hearing aids. Hearing aids assist in sound amplification simply with the structure of the inner ear providing differentiation and processing. On the other hand, cochlear implants are electronic medical devices that bypass damaged cells in the cochlea, convert sound vibrations to electrical signals, and send them out to the auditory nerve. Hence, cochlear implants can provide significant improvement in hearing even in cases where hearing aids are no longer effective.
- There are specific eligibility criteria for Cochlear Implant Surgery
Cochlear implants can help people with hearing loss, but not everyone is considered a candidate for the same. The steps involved in determining candidacy include considering the type and degree of a person’s hearing loss, the overall state of the cochlea, and whether any other medical conditions are present. Candidacy will usually be determined for adults and children with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears if a hearing aid is not providing benefit. Once again, the evaluation to determine if a cochlear implant will help is done by an audiologist and an experienced ENT specialist.
- Cochlear Implant Surgery is a safe and minimally invasive procedure
Cochlear implant surgery is a well-tested and generally very safe outpatient surgery that takes about 1-3 hours to do. The procedure involves the placement of an electrode array in the cochlea (in the inner ear) and the receiver in the proper location underneath the skin behind the ear. Generally, patients who come in for cochlear implant surgery in Mohali in the morning go home the very same day. While complications are rare, they include infection, dizziness, or injury to the facial nerve. The recovery from this procedure generally takes a few days to 1 week. After this duration, the implant is turned on.
- The implant is activated after the surgery
Once the surgical site has healed, the external part of the implant system, which consists of a microphone and speech processor, is fitted and activated. It is important not to think of this as a new “switch-on and hear clearly” moment. The brain requires an adjustment period with this new auditory device to process the way it is receiving sound. Audiologists will attempt to fine-tune a better performance of the device by having the patient return for several appointments and adjustments. At first, sounds may seem strange or robotic. Clarity normally improves over time with consistent use of the cochlear implant and auditory therapy.
- Rehabilitation and aftercare are equally important
Having a cochlear implant surgery in Chandigarh is just one step in the journey. The success of the procedure and device is heavily dependent on the post-surgery treatment the patient receives through auditory rehabilitation. This is particularly true for children or adults who have faced challenges in hearing for a long time. The rehabilitation process will involve speech therapy, focused listening exercises, and regular follow-up appointments to ensure the brain is being “trained” to decode the new signals the implant is translating for the patient to use. Each recipient’s learning curve will vary, but with consistency and proper follow up most recipients eventually understand speech clearly and are able to engage more effectively in their everyday conversation.
If you are looking for the Best cochlear implant surgeon in Mohali or the Best ENT surgeons near me, Sohana Hospital might just be the right choice for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali is home to the world’s most advanced technology and North India’s most trusted and experienced ENT specialists, who provide the most comprehensive and holistic treatment for all cases of hearing loss and other ENT problems of the patients in the region. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier and happier future, enabling your loved ones to listen to all the symphonies of life.