Cochlear

Cochlear Implant Surgery in Karol Bagh, Delhi

People suffering from severe hearing loss benefit greatly from a cochlear implant. It is a device that is surgically implanted in the spiral-shaped bone in the inner ear known as the cochlea. But, the device does not suit everyone, so to avoid potential complications, it is better to discuss it with your doctor before you decide anything.

To know more, contact an ENT doctor near you or visit an ENT hospital in New Delhi.

What is a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant is basically a small electronic medical device that enhances moderate to severe hearing loss. It benefits adults, children and babies with hearing loss. The device electrically stimulates the cochlear nerve.

Moreover, it comes with external and internal components. The external component gets placed behind the ear and comprises a microphone that receives sound waves. After that, the sounds are analyzed and turned into digital signals by a speech processor.

Subsequently, the transmitter receives the signals and forwards them to the internal receiver. A magnet holds together the transmitter and the receiver. On the other hand, the internal portion is implanted behind the ear, beneath the skin.

The digital signals are turned into electrical impulses by the receiver. The electrodes in the cochlea receive these impulses and stimulate the cochlear nerve. Finally, the brain receives it through the nerves and the person gets a sense of hearing.

Please note that the sounds that your brain notices are not the same as normal hearing. That is why speech therapy and rehabilitation are important for learning the proper interpretation of these sounds.

Who is suitable for a cochlear implant?

As we stated above, not everyone is suitable for a cochlear implant. Babies, children and adults can opt for this, if they suffer from severe loss in both ears and do not benefit from hearing aids. Moreover, they must not have any medical conditions that may augment surgery risks. For adults, they can be ideal candidates, if they:

• Suffer from hearing loss that disrupts verbal communication
• Even with hearing aids they have to lip read
• Lost all or most of their hearing afterward in life
• Agree to rehabilitation

When do you need to see a doctor?

If you have any of the above conditions and are considering a cochlear implant, you can talk to your doctor to know the pros and cons. Most importantly, you need to understand what cochlear implants can and can’t do.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of cochlear implants mostly depend on the procedure and rehabilitation process. It may allow you to:

• Hear different sounds including footsteps
• Comprehend speech without having to lip read
• Hear voices on the phone and music
• Watch television without captions
• Help babies and toddlers to learn how to talk

How is a cochlear implant done?

After your doctor decides that a cochlear implant is the right choice for you, he/she will go ahead with the surgery. These are the basic steps:

• General anesthesia will be given before surgery.
• After that, your surgeon will make an incision behind your ear and make a minor indentation in the mastoid bone.
• A tiny hole will be created in the cochlea to insert the electrodes through it.
• A receiver will be inserted behind the ear, beneath the skin, and secured to the skull. Then, your surgeon will stitch the incision.
• After completion of the surgery, you will be moved to the recovery unit for close monitoring.
• Usually, a patient gets discharged a few hours after the surgery or sometimes, the next day.
• You will be shown how to care for your incision and follow-up appointments will be scheduled to check the healing process.
• One month after the surgery, the doctor will add the external parts and activation of the internal components will be done.
• Finally, in addition to regular visits to the doctor for a couple of months, you will need audiological rehabilitation to enhance your hearing and speech skills.

Conclusion

Thus, if hearing aids fail to improve your hearing or speech, cochlear implants may help you. An audiologist uses hearing exams and imaging tests for determining whether a cochlear implant is the right choice for you. Most importantly, audiological rehabilitation is important after surgery.

References

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/cochlear-implants

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

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/cochlear-implants/what-cochlear-implant