Cochlear Implant Surgery: What to Expect, Types, and Risks!
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Cochlear implant surgery is a surgical process that can provide a new world of sound for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss.
In this article; we will explore what to expect before, during, and after cochlear implant surgery.
Cochlear implant types
Although cochlear implants differ according to the location of their external device, there are two main types:
There are two main types of cochlear implants:
Single-channel cochlear implants:
Single-channel cochlear implants were the first type of cochlear implants to be developed, they consist of a single electrode that stimulates the auditory nerve.
This type can provide some level of sound perception, but they do not provide the same level of sound quality and speech understanding as newer multichannel cochlear implants.
Multi-channel cochlear implants:
Multi-channel cochlear implants are the most common type of cochlear implant used today, unlike the first type they consist of multiple electrodes that are arranged along the length of the cochlea, each electrode stimulates a different frequency band.
Multi-channel cochlear implants can provide better sound quality and speech understanding than single-channel cochlear implants.
In addition to these two main types of cochlear implants, there are also different models and brands of cochlear implants available, some of them have additional features, such as wireless connectivity, automatic sound processing, and improved speech recognition.
Risks and complications of cochlear implant surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, cochlear implant surgery carries potential risks and complications, here are some of the risks and complications associated with cochlear implant surgery:
- Infection:
Infection is a possible complication of cochlear implant surgery, particularly in the first few weeks after the surgery.
- Bleeding:
Bleeding is a potential risk of any surgical procedure, including cochlear implant surgery.
- Damage to inner ear structures:
During the surgery, there is a small risk of damage to the inner ear structures, which could potentially cause further hearing loss or balance problems.
- Device failure:
Although rare, there is a risk of device failure, which could require further surgery to repair or replace the cochlear implant.
- Nerve damage:
In rare cases, the surgery may cause nerve damage, which could potentially affect facial movement or sensation.
- Tinnitus:
Some individuals may experience tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, after cochlear implant surgery.
- Pain and discomfort:
Pain and discomfort are common after cochlear implant surgery, particularly in the first few days after the surgery.
Moreover, there are rare side effects patients maybe experience after the surgery including:
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Confusion.
- Pharyngitis (Sore Throat).
Is a cochlear implant major surgery?
- A cochlear implant is considered Serious surgery, it involves surgical insertion of a device into the inner ear to bypass the damaged or non-functioning parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, which enables hearing.
- The treatment is typically performed under general anesthesia and involves making an incision behind the ear to access the skull bone.
- A small hole is then drilled in the bone to allow access to the inner ear, the implant device is then inserted into the inner ear and connected to an external processor that captures and processes sound.
What is the success rate of cochlear implant surgery?
- Despite the fact that the operation’s success rate depends on several factors, its success rate generally is very large, up to 98%.
- As reported by the ASHA, there are about 80% of patients inform improvements in their ability to hear after the surgery.
Can a deaf person hear after cochlear implant?
While a cochlear implant does not restore normal hearing, it can provide significant improvements in hearing even for deaf people.
How painful is cochlear implant surgery?
As we mentioned earlier, the process does not include severe side effects, but sometimes with all types of devices, the patient may experience pain for a short time, such as headache and dizziness, or pain in the area where the device was implanted.
Cochlear implant rehabilitation
Cochlear implant rehabilitation is a critical component of the cochlear implant process, as it helps the patient learn how to use the implant and develop listening and communication skills.
The rehabilitation process typically begins a few weeks after the surgery, once the incision has healed and the implant has been activated, and it may include the following components:
Mapping: The audiologist will program the implant to the patient's individual needs and preferences.
Auditory training: The patient will participate in various listening exercises to help them learn how to interpret and understand the sounds they hear through the implant.
Speech therapy: The patient may work with a speech-language pathologist to develop their speech and language skills.
Counseling and support: Counseling and support from a mental health professional to help them adjust to the emotional and social impact of living with a cochlear implant.
After all, the rehabilitation process can take several months or even years, and it requires a commitment to ongoing practice and training.
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