Cochlear implant

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Ear anatomy

RISKS OF SURGERY

Cochlear implantation is a relatively safe surgery. As with all surgeries, there are potential risks. The most common complications include wound-healing problems. This includes problems such as skin breakdown over the implanted device, infection where the surgical cut was made, and the device coming out.

Less common complications include:

• Damage to the nerve that moves the face on the side of the operation
• Leakage of the fluid that surrounds the brain (cerebrospinal fluid)
• Temporary vertigo (dizziness)
• Failure of the device to work

After surgery, most patients are admitted to the hospital overnight for observation. Patients are given pain medicines and sometimes antibiotics to help with healing. Many surgeons place a large dressing over the operated ear, which is changed the day after surgery.

Several weeks after surgery, the external portion of the cochlear implant is magnetically secured to the receiver-stimulator that was implanted behind the ear. It is only at this point that the device will be usable.

Once the incision site is well healed, and the implant is secured to the external processor and antenna, patients will begin to work with a combination of audiologists, speech therapists, otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors), and possibly other specialists in order to learn to "hear" and process sound using the cochlear implant. This is an extremely important part of the process, as it requires a coordinated effort between the patient and the team of specialists in order to achieve maximum benefit from the implant.

Individual results in using cochlear implants vary widely, and are influenced by the condition of the hearing nerve prior to surgery, the patient's mental abilities, the specific device being used, the length of time the patient was deaf, and the surgery itself.

Some patients can learn to communicate on the telephone, whereas others can only recognize sound. Achieving maximal results can take several years, and requires motivation on the part of the patient. Patients are often enrolled in programs to help with rehabilitation of hearing and speech.

LIVING WITH AN IMPLANT

Once full healing has occurred, there are few absolute restrictions for cochlear implant users. Most activities are acceptable, although some physicians recommend avoiding full-contact sports, in order to lessen the chance of trauma to the implanted device.

Most patients with cochlear implants cannot get MRI scans, as the implant is metallic.

Review Date: 02/12/2007
Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.