to perform it
When is a cochlear implant operation performed? Learn about the conditions for cochlear implantation, and how to perform the operation in this article. Here are the conditions for cochlear implantation and the most important information about it: What are the conditions for cochlear implantation? Cochlear implant is a process in which a small and complex electronic device is implanted under the skin, which helps to sense sound in people who are severely deaf or who suffer from severe hearing impairment.
Among the conditions for cochlear implantation that qualify the patient for the operation are:
Severe hearing loss, which leads to interruption of verbal communication.
Hearing with both ears, but with slight clarity.
The patient does not have a medical condition or risk factors that increase the risk of a cochlear implant.
The patient has limited benefit from hearing aids, such as: his inability to hear half of the spoken words, as determined by specialized audiological tests.
The patient is highly motivated to participate in auditory rehabilitation.
Realistic expectations in what a cochlear implant can help.
After learning about the conditions for cochlear implantation, how is it performed?
How is cochlear implantation performed?
The operation may be performed in one ear, or in both ears in cases of severe hearing loss, especially for infants and children learning language.
The cochlear implantation process takes place in the hospital, and it takes from two to four hours, and it is as follows:
The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
The surgeon makes an opening behind the ear, and then opens the mastoid bone.
The surgeon locates the facial nerves so that he can make an opening between them. To reach the cochlea, to open it, and then place the electrodes for the implant inside the cochlea.
The surgeon places the internal device, which is an electronic device called the receiver, under the skin behind the ear and fixes it in the skull. After that, the incisions are closed, and the patient is transferred to the observation area. The patient can be discharged from the hospital after at least two hours of observation.
After 4 to 6 weeks of the operation, and after the wound has healed, the doctor installs the external piece that receives the sound waves and modifies them, then the device is programmed and operated.
Adults and children between the ages of 6 and 12 months benefit from this process.
Results vary based on several factors, including the following
The age at which hearing was lost.
The time between hearing loss and the time of the operation.
Where the results are better when the operation is performed at a younger age, adults do not benefit greatly, especially when the time period between hearing loss and the operation is long.
How does the device work?
The device consists of two parts, one part is surgically implanted under the skin, while the other part is placed behind the ear.
The device works by converting sound energy into an electrical signal, which is used to stimulate spiral ganglion cells located in the auditory nerve.
The following is a detailed explanation of the operation of the device
The device contains an audio processor that is installed behind the ear, which picks up sound signals and sends them to a device called a receiver under the skin behind the ear.
The receiver sends the signals to electrodes implanted in the inner ear.
These signals stimulate the auditory nerve, which sends the signals to the brain for interpretation.
Cochlear implant results
The following are the expected results after undergoing a cochlear implant
Distinguishing different sounds, such as: the sound of the phone, or the closing of the door.
Understand speech without much need for lip reading.
Watching television without the need for a written explanation.
Listening to music.
Understand the sounds heard from the phone.
Post cochlear implant surgery
During the recovery period or after the operation, the following is done
After the operation, the patient needs a period of training, during which the patient is trained on how to take care of the device.
The patient needs a period of auditory rehabilitation to help him interpret new electrical signals and apply listening skills to improve communication.
The duration of rehabilitation depends on the patient''s progress and improvement.
