What are Cochlear Implants?

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), 10 years of experience
What is the meaning of Cochlear Implants?
An electronic device that partially helps in the restoration of hearing in people suffering from severe hearing loss is known as a cochlear implant. Cochlear implants are surgically placed in the cochlea, which is a spiral-shaped bone present in the inner ear.
A cochlear implant helps in the conversion of sounds into electrical impulses, which get interpreted by the brain. The goal of a cochlear implant is to replace the function of the cochlea. The successful usage of a cochlear implant requires extensive therapy and training. The device is not suitable for everyone and may have potential complications.
In this article, we will be discussing in detail about cochlear implants.
- What is the purpose of having Cochlear Implants?
- What are the advantages of Cochlear Implants?
- What is the diagnostic procedure for a Cochlear Implant Surgery?
- How to prepare for a Cochlear Implant Surgery?
- What is the procedure of Cochlear Implant Surgery?
- How to care after a Cochlear Implant Surgery?
- What are the risks of Cochlear Implants?
- What is the cost of Cochlear Implant Surgery in India?
What is the purpose of having Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implants are done in the following cases:
- Severe hearing loss interrupting verbal communication
- Limited advantage from hearing aids, as determined by certain specialized hearing tests
- No medical disorders which may increase the risks associated with a cochlear implant surgery
- Realistic expectations of how cochlear implants can and cannot help in hearing
- High motivation to undergo hearing rehabilitation
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What are the advantages of Cochlear Implants?
The advantages of cochlear implants are:
- Improved hearing without the need for visual cues like reading the lips
- Ability to hear even in a noisy environment
- Being able to recognize the normal environmental sounds
- Ability to locate the source of the sound
- Being able to hear music, telephonic conversations, and television programs( Know more about- What is Eardrum Repair Surgery? )
- Improvement in communication and the quality of life
What is the diagnostic procedure for a Cochlear Implant Surgery?
The doctor will determine if you are the right person for cochlear implants by doing the following tests and examinations:
- Hearing test or comprehensive audiologic diagnostic testing: This test helps in the assessment of hearing loss and helps in choosing the best follow-up services.
- Cochlear implant evaluation: The current hearing aids of the patient are checked to see how well they are functioning. This test helps in determining if the hearing aids are providing you with optimal hearing, or if one should consider cochlear implants.
- MRI scan and CT scan: These are imaging tests done to obtain clear images of the internal structures of the inner ear.
- Physical examination: The doctor will examine you physically before the procedure.
- Psychological examination: The patient is evaluated by a psychologist to see if he/she can mentally handle the changes that come with a cochlear implant.
- Medical and surgical consultations: The surgeon will discuss with you the instructions, procedure, expectations, and the possible outcomes after cochlear implant surgery.
- Communication evaluation: The speech, auditory, and language skills of the patient are evaluated before cochlear implant surgery.
- Balance assessment: Tests are done to check the vestibular (balance) system of the body. This system is closely involved with the structures involved in hearing.
How to prepare for a Cochlear Implant Surgery?
- The doctor should be informed about any pre-existing medical conditions that the patient may be having.
- Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbs that you may be taking.
- The doctor may instruct you to stop taking any blood-thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin that you may be taking a few days before the surgery, as these medications may increase the risk of bleeding during and after the surgery.
- You may not be allowed to eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before the surgery.
- Quit smoking at least two weeks before the surgery.
What is the procedure of Cochlear Implant Surgery?
- The procedure is performed under general anesthesia (the patient is put to sleep during the procedure).
- An incision (cut) is made by the surgeon behind the ear, making a small indentation in the mastoid bone (a skull bone present just behind the inner ear).
- A tiny hole is made in the cochlea.
- Electrodes are inserted through this hole.
- A receiver (internal device) is then inserted behind the ear, beneath the skin.
- The internal device is secured to the skull and the incision is stitched closed.
How to care after a Cochlear Implant Surgery?
- The patient is usually discharged in a couple of hours or the next day after the surgery.
- It is normal to experience some pressure or discomfort over the implanted ear or ears following the surgery.
- It is also normal to experience some dizziness or nausea immediately after the procedure.
- A follow-up appointment is recommended after a week’s time. The surgeon will check the healing.
- The incision needs complete healing before the activation of the cochlear implant.
- Approximately two to six weeks after the surgery, the doctor will add the external parts of the cochlear implant. The internal components will then be activated by:
- Adjustment of the sound processor to fit the patient
- Checking the components of the cochlear implant to make sure that they are working
- Determining what sounds can be heard
- The patient is instructed on the proper care and use of the device
- The device is set so that the patient can hear well
- You will need to see your doctor regularly for the next couple of months for adjustments.
- Audiologic rehabilitation therapy will be required to improve your speech and hearing skills. This involves working with a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist.
What are the risks of Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implant surgery is generally considered safe. However, there may be some risks involved with cochlear implants, which may include:
- Loss of any residual (remaining) healing
- Failure of the cochlear implant device ( Know more about- What is Glaucoma Surgery? )
- Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and the brain)
- Bleeding
- Infection of the device
- Infection at the site of surgery
- Paralysis of the face
- Dizziness( Know more about- What is Dizziness? Home Remedies for Dizziness )
- Problems in balance
- Disturbance in taste
- Worsened or new ear noise (known as tinnitus)
- Spinal fluid (a clear fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord) leak ( Know more about- What is Brain Injury? )
Contact your doctor if you notice any of the above-mentioned complications following cochlear implant placement.
What is the cost of Cochlear Implant Surgery in India?
The total cost of cochlear implant surgery in India can range from around INR 6,00,000 to INR 10,00,000. However, many prominent hospital doctors in India specialize in cochlear implant surgery. But the cost varies across different hospitals.
If you are coming from abroad, apart from the cost of cochlear implant surgery, there will be an additional cost of living in a hotel and the cost of local travel. After surgery, the patient is kept for 1 day in the hospital and 15 days in the hotel for recovery. So, the total cost of cochlear implants surgery in India comes to a total of INR 6,50,000 to INR 13,00,000.
We hope that we could answer all your questions regarding cochlear implants through this article.
If you need more information and treatment of cochlear implants, you can contact an ENT surgeon.
We only aim to provide you with information through this article. We do not recommend any medication or treatment to anyone. Only a qualified doctor can give you the best advice and correct treatment plan.