Cochlear Implant

Indication

To restore a sense of sound in severely hearing-impaired patients. The implant includes five parts: a microphone, receiver, speech processor and magnetic link between the outer scalp and implanted portion.The external microphone receives sand processes sound, sending an auditory signal to an electrode array placed on the bony wall of the inner ear's round window. As a result, a current is passed through the electrode array to stimulate the functional vestibular nerve (cochlear and remaining hair cells), restoring a sense of sound to the patient.

Eligibility

See our Cochlear Implant Program page for more information about eligibility and referrals.

Procedure

Cochlear implantation is performed under a general anaesthetic. A 4-6 inch incision is made behind the ear to create a pocket for the receiver. After this, the electrode ray is inserted into the cochlea. This incision is closed with staples. There is usually no packing in the ear, but a dressing will stay in place overnight and will be removed the following day. Following this, the incision can be left open to air. Exposure to water can begin 3-4 days post surgery.

Post-Operative Care

A small amount of redness and pain is expected in the immediate postoperative period. This pain is maximal generally 3-4 days post-surgery and should subside afterwards. A follow-up appointment is generally scheduled 1-2 weeks after surgery. Staples (if present), the outer packing in the external ear and the outer dressing are removed then, but some packing is usually left in to allow for healing. After 1-4 weeks of healing, the implant is activated by our audiologists by connecting an external sound processor to the internal device.

Patients are generally able to return to work 1-week post surgery, given that you do not perform strenuous exercise/heavy lifting.