Details of Cochlear Implantation

It is a surgical procedure to implant an electric device in cochlea, the spiral-shaped bone in the inner ear. It is performed to replace the function of cochlea. Because it partially restores hearing. Unlike hearing aids, this procedure bypasses the diseased portion of the ear to deliver sound signals to the hearing nerve.

May include:

• Severe hearing loss
• No voice signals to the hearing nerve 
• Less or no recognition of sound 
• No recognition of sound direction

May be recommended:

• Physical exam 
• Hearing Evaluation 
• MRI 
• CT Scan

During the procedure, An incision is made behind the ear to make a small hole in the skull bone where the device is put. A small opening is made in the cochlea to thread the electrode of the internal device. Now the incision is sutured to heal.

May include:

• Loss of residual hearing
• Membrane inflammation 
• Device failure

May include:

• Bleeding
• Facial paralysis
• Infection at the surgery site 
• Device infection
• Balance problems 
• Dizziness 
• New or worsened ear noise (tinnitus) 
• Spinal fluid leak