Cochlear Implant

Cochlear Implant Surgery in Chirag Enclave, Delhi

A cochlear implant is a small, medical and electronic device that is inserted under the skin of the ear to improve hearing. It also increases the ability to interpret speech. People with hearing loss and trouble understanding speech are the ideal candidates for the implant. 

Cochlear implant surgery involves putting a processor that captures sound from the environment. A receiver is inserted under the skin behind your ear. This receives the signals and sends it to the electrodes inserted in the cochlea. This in turn signals the auditory nerve that is connected to the brain which interprets the signals. 

To know more, you can consult an ENT specialist near you or visit an ENT hospital in New Delhi.

What is cochlear implant surgery?

A cochlear implant is an electronic device inserted under the skin of the ear to improve hearing and the ability to interpret speech. What makes cochlear implants different from hearing aids is that cochlear implants convert electronic impulses to signals for the brain. A hearing aid's purpose is to amplify sounds and make them louder. 

Before the surgery is performed, a patient will have to go through a battery of tests. These include a hearing test and a speech test along with a physical exam of your inner ear. A CT scan or MRI is conducted to assess the state of the cochlea and the inner ear. 

On the day of your surgery, a doctor will administer general anesthesia before conducting the surgery. The surgeon will cut a hole behind your ear, indent and open your mastoid bone. This allows him to insert the electrodes into your cochlea. The next step involves putting a receiver under the skin behind your ear. The doctor will close your incision and move you to the recovery room. You will be under observation for a few hours after which you will be discharged.

After the surgery, you will be given instructions on how to change your stitches and dressing. You will be required to go for follow-up appointments every few days. Four to six weeks after your surgery, your doctor will put in the external part of the implant and activate its internal part.

Your doctor will also recommend that you visit a speech therapist after your surgery for rehabilitation.

Who qualifies for a cochlear implant?

Some factors make a person eligible for cochlear implants. These are:

• People having trouble understanding speech or words
• Hearing loss
• Poor clarity in both ears
• Trouble hearing despite having a hearing aid

What are the benefits?

These include:

• Ability to hear speech without lip reading
• Improved listening of environmental cues and sounds
• Improved hearing for television, music and telephone conversations

What are the risks?

Just like any surgery, cochlear implant surgery has its set of complications. These are:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Tinnitus - ringing in your ears
• Vertigo - lightheadedness or dizziness
• Problems in balance
• Trouble tasting food

If you experience any of the above symptoms, please visit your nearest doctor.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Conclusion

A cochlear implant improves your ability to hear sounds better. It also increases a patient's ability to interpret speech. A few complications associated with the surgery include bleeding, infection and dizziness. If you experience any such symptoms, please visit your doctor. 

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/cochlear-implant#suitability

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cochlear-implants/about/pac-20385021

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cochlear-implant-surgery