Cochlear Implants
Cochlear Implants at Wakefield
A cochlear implant is a surgical treatment for hearing loss and other auditory disorders, which can dramatically improve access to sound, and a person’s quality of life.
The technology is primarily used to give access to spoken language for candidates with severe to profound hearing loss where even well-fitted hearing aids are ineffective. It is suitable for both children and adults of all ages.
Who may be suitable for a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant may also be suitable for:
• Hearing loss caused by Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)
• Treatment for intractable tinnitus*
• Providing binaural hearing for those with single-side deafness*
* Southern Cross Health Insurance are now funding the device up to $17,000.
Before we recommend cochlear implantation we will need to establish whether the procedure is right for you, or your child.
Becoming a cochlear implant candidate involves an evaluation that includes audiology, ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultation, and speech and language assessment.
What to expect during the assessment process
The assessment determines whether a cochlear implant will provide you or your child more benefit than conventional hearing aids. The Southern Cochlear Implant Programme carries out a full assessment over a number of appointments with its various specialists. We take time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you have during the process. Following the assessment, test results will be explained, a report summarising the assessment will be written and a recommendation made.
About Cochlear Implant Surgery
The operation takes approximately two hours and is carried out under a general anaesthetic.
Once the cochlear implant operation is completed, clinicians will perform some initial implant testing in the operating theatre. This testing is in preparation for the subsequent activation of the sound processor.
Are there any risks?
While it is important to be aware that complications can occur, in practice very few significant negative side effects have been reported worldwide. The cochlear implant surgeon will discuss the risks with you in more detail before the surgery.
How long do I need to stay in hospital for?
An overnight stay in hospital after the procedure is usually required. People are generally admitted the day before surgery, or the day of surgery itself. Those with a more involved medical history may be admitted a few days prior to the scheduled surgery date.
Recovery rates vary but most people report feeling well 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Once released from hospital, you could expect to be back in regular routines within 1-2 weeks.
You will be able to feel the cochlear implant under their skin.
Going home after Cochlear Implant surgery
Adults
You will be given antibiotics to prevent the likelihood of infection. It is important that the full course is taken according to the instructions on the label. You should take pain relief medicines such as Paracetamol or Nurofen on the advice of your surgeon. There may be swelling around the area after the operation, which may take a few weeks to resolve.
You may experience some bloody discharge from the ear for several days. You may be off work for a period. You will need to take care during hair washing, bathing and showering to avoid water getting into the area. Swimming should be avoided until after the first outpatient visit.
Children
You will be given antibiotics for your child. It is important that the full course is taken according to the instructions on the label. You should give your child pain relief medicines such as Paracetamol or Nurofen on the advice of your surgeon. There may be swelling around the area after the operation, which may take a few weeks to resolve.
Your child may experience some bloody discharge from the ear for several days. You should take care to minimise any potential chance of a head injury. They may need to be off school for a period and avoid sports activities. You will need to take care during hair washing, bathing and showering to avoid water getting into the area. Swimming should be avoided until after the first outpatient visit.
How long does the Cochlear Implant surgery take?
No. At this point only the internal parts of the device have been fitted. Depending on you or your child’s recovery after surgery, you may have your device activated within 1-2 days after the operation, or there may be a wait of up to 14 days after surgery to allow any swelling or tenderness around the implant site to subside, before the external parts of the device are fitted. The external processor is adjusted to you or your child’s individual hearing responses.
Can you hear after the surgery?
No. At this point only the internal parts of the device have been fitted. Depending on you or your child’s recovery after surgery, you may have your device activated within 1-2 days after the operation, or there may be a wait of up to 14 days after surgery to allow any swelling or tenderness around the implant site to subside, before the external parts of the device are fitted. The external processor is adjusted to you or your child’s individual hearing responses.
Switching on your implant
Individuals respond differently on the first day of activation or ‘switch-on’. It will take time to adjust to the new sound. This can be quite an emotional experience for a recipient and their family.
Programming and evaluation of the implant system continues over the following months/years. The total number of appointments depends on individual needs, and speech and hearing tests are completed on a regular basis to measure benefit.
Your specialist will provide you with an estimated outline of ongoing support you or your child may need.
