Overview
Cochlear implant surgery is a procedure that involves inserting a small electronic device called a cochlear implant behind one or both ears to improve hearing. A cochlear implant does not restore normal hearing, but it delivers sound impulses to the hearing nerve to help with the perception and comprehension of speech and sounds. It is a viable option for people with severe hearing loss that could not be treated with hearing aids.
How do cochlear implants work?
Cochlear implants are made up of exterior and internal components. The exterior part uses a microphone to gather up noises. The sound is processed and transmitted to the device’s internal portion that receives the sound. The cochlea, which is part of the inner ear, is reached by a thin wire and small electrodes. The wire transmits impulses to the cochlear nerve, which transmits sound information to the brain, resulting in a hearing sensation.
What are the benefits of having cochlear implants?
Cochlear implant surgery allows you to:
- Recognize surrounding sounds
- Locate the source of noises
- Listen in noisy settings
- Hear sounds and speech coming from the phone or television
- Understand what is being said without having to rely on lip reading
What to expect before cochlear implant surgery?
During your consultation, the ENT doctor will perform a physical examination and hearing tests to assess the health of your inner ear and the extent of your hearing loss. They will also perform imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs to examine the structures of the cochlea and inner ear.
The doctor may request that you stop taking certain medications and refrain from eating or drinking before the procedure. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home following surgery.
What to expect during cochlear implant surgery?
The procedure takes two to four hours to complete and is performed under general anesthesia.
The surgeon will make an incision behind your ear to create a small hole in the section of the skull bone called the mastoid. They will then make another incision in the cochlea and insert the implant electrodes into the cochlea.
After that, the surgeon will secure an electrical device called the receiver to the skull by placing it beneath the skin behind the ear. The incisions are subsequently stitched together and tests will be performed to assess your response to the implant.
What to expect after cochlear implant surgery?
You will be able to go home the same day as the procedure, but you will need to take a few days off work and avoid any strenuous activity until you recover from surgery. You may experience minor pain or swelling, but it should go away within the coming weeks.
The surgical site usually takes 3 to 6 weeks to heal completely and the cochlear implant is then activated. After training to learn how to use and care for the implant, you will notice a considerable increase in your awareness of sounds and your speech comprehension will improve with time, especially during the first 6 months after surgery.
Schedule your appointment at Novomed today
If you believe you are the right candidate for cochlear implant surgery, make an appointment with one of our expert ENT specialists in Dubai to learn more about the procedure and its available options.
Book your consultation today by calling toll-free 8006686 or clicking the live chat icon at the bottom of the screen
