Surgery
Cochlear Implant
A cochlear implant is an electronic device surgically placed in the inner ear to give a sense of sound to people with severe or profound deafness.
Quick answer
Cochlear Implant: what it is, why it's done and what happens
A cochlear implant has an internal part placed in the inner ear (cochlea) and an external processor worn behind the ear. It bypasses damaged hearing cells and stimulates the hearing nerve directly.
- Why it is done: It is used for severe to profound hearing loss in which hearing aids give little benefit, in both children and adults, to help with sound awareness, speech understanding and communication.
- What happens: Under general anaesthetic, the surgeon places the internal device through a cut behind the ear and threads the electrode into the cochlea.
What it is
A cochlear implant has an internal part placed in the inner ear (cochlea) and an external processor worn behind the ear. It bypasses damaged hearing cells and stimulates the hearing nerve directly.
Why it is done
It is used for severe to profound hearing loss in which hearing aids give little benefit, in both children and adults, to help with sound awareness, speech understanding and communication.
What happens
Under general anaesthetic, the surgeon places the internal device through a cut behind the ear and threads the electrode into the cochlea. The operation usually takes a few hours.
Recovery
The external processor is switched on a few weeks after surgery once the area has healed. Learning to interpret the new sounds takes time, supported by an audiology and rehabilitation team.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include infection, device problems, dizziness, taste changes and, rarely, facial nerve issues or loss of any remaining natural hearing in that ear. Outcomes vary and rely on rehabilitation.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Cochlear Implant: frequently asked questions
Will a cochlear implant restore normal hearing?
It does not fully restore natural hearing, but it can give a useful sense of sound and, with rehabilitation, greatly improve speech understanding and communication for many people.
When is the implant switched on?
The external processor is usually activated a few weeks after surgery, once the wound has healed. Sound is then gradually tuned over several sessions as you learn to interpret it.
Related
Other surgery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Relevant Royal College / professional body
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