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Some may not benefit from hearing aids, so they choose to have a cochlear implant. So what is this process? What are its benefits and harms?

Cochlear implantation is a surgical procedure that involves implanting an electronic medical device that helps the deaf, and anyone who suffers from severe hearing difficulties, by directly stimulating the auditory nerve. More details in this article:

What is the cochlear implantation process?

Unlike earphones that amplify sounds, cochlear implants bypass the damaged parts of the ear, so that the sound is delivered directly to the auditory nerve.

A sound processor is installed behind the ear, which collects sound waves and transmits them to a receiver implanted under the skin behind the ear, which in turn sends the sound signals to electrodes implanted in the cochlea of the inner ear.

These signals stimulate the auditory nerve, which transmits signals to the brain and translates them into audible sounds.

Who are the people eligible for this process?

Not everyone who suffers from hearing problems is eligible for a cochlear implant, but this process is the best solution in the following cases:

The absence of medical conditions can increase the risks associated with this surgery.

People with moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears.

People who did not benefit from hearing aids.

People who scored 50% or less on phrase recognition tests in the ear in which the procedure will be performed.

Subjects who scored 60% or less on sentences discrimination tests in the ear in which the operation will not be performed, or in both ears with earphones.

How is the process done?

After conducting the necessary tests and examinations, and determining whether the patient is well qualified for this operation, the time for its operation is determined, and the following often occurs during the operation:

After applying general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision behind the ear and makes a small hole in the cochlea to the electrodes into.

The receiving device is then ed under the skin and secured to the skull, and the wound is sutured.

After the operation is completed, the patient is transferred to the resuscitation unit, and is monitored to ensure that there are no complications.

The patient can be discharged from the hospital a few hours after the operation is over or the next day.

A follow-up appointment is scheduled about a week after the operation, to ensure that the wound has healed.

The external parts are installed one month after the operation and then the implant is operated, and in the following months the doctor may make some adjustments.

You must undergo a treatment called auditory rehabilitation to improve hearing abilities later.

What are the main benefits of this process?

Cochlear implants have many benefits, including

Increased ability to hear better than earphones.

Increased ability to hear and focus even in noisy environments.

Increase the ability to speak on the phone without any problems.

What are the main side effects?

This surgery causes a number of side effects, such as

ringing in the ear

Vertigo.

Balance problems.

Meningitis.

facial paralysis

Loss of the remaining normal ability to hear.

The need to remove the outer part when showering or swimming.

The need to constantly charge the batteries or renew them.

The need for surgery to remove the implant to fix it or other problems.