Consult Super-Specialist Doctors at CARE Hospitals
If there is a severe hearing loss then the cochlear implant will be quite beneficial. This is a device that is placed inside the ear called the cochlea, which is a spinal shaped bone in the inner side of the ear.
A cochlear implant converts sound into electrical impulses, which are interpreted by the brain. It replaces the cochlea’s function.
However, the device isn’t suited for everyone and there are many complications if it’s not used properly. Using a cochlear implant successfully needs quite a lot of therapy and training.
Cochlear implants.
This is a tiny electronic device that helps in the improvement of hearing loss in both adults and children. This device consists of external and internal components and it works through the electrical stimulation of the cochlear nerve. The external component has a microphone which is located behind the ear. The internal portion is under the skin and behind the ear. Here the digital signal is converted to electrical impulses. Further, these impulses stimulate the cochlear nerve which is forwarded to the brain
Who is it for?
People suffering from complete hearing loss.
Hearing aids are not able to fulfil the hearing needs
If there is loss of hearing disturbing the communication.
After the examination, an ENT specialist will determine if the device is perfect for you or not.
What are the advantages of the cochlear implant?
If there is severe hearing loss, a cochlear implant will be perfect and also improve the quality of life. Some of the benefits of this device include;
Hear the footsteps without any problem.
Can have and comprehend speech.
Can hear clearly over the phone.
Can hear music.
Watch TV.
What are the risk factors?
Some of the risk factors that patients can experience in rare cases include;
There could be some bleeding.
There might be swelling.
Sometimes you will experience ringing in the ear.
There can be an infection in the area.
There could be a change of taste.
There can be a chance of facial paralysis.
While swimming or taking a bath you have to remove the external component.
Needs rehabilitation to learn the working of implants.
Need to recharge the batteries regularly.
There can be a chance of damage to the implant during sports activity.
Types of hearing loss.
They are sensorineural, conductive and mixed.
Sensorineural hearing loss is the type of loss that is permanent hearing loss caused by damage to the auditory nerve.
Conductive hearing loss is usually caused by damage to the outer or the middle ear. This can be either temporary or permanent.
Mixed hearing loss is the combination of both sensorineural and conductive loss. In this usually, the sensorineural loss might be because of the wax accumulation.
When will the implant not work?
Sometimes the doctors cannot restore the hearing if there is conductive hearing loss due to the reasons like;
if the ear canal is abnormally narrow.
If there is a thickening of the bone which surrounds the ear canal.
If there is abnormal bone growth in the middle ear.
If there is an abnormal separation of the middle ear bones.
If you are using traditional hearing aids.
Cochlear implant surgery procedure.
Surgery is done by giving local anaesthesia. The surgeon will make the incision behind the ear the indentation is done. The surgeon will then make a hole in the cochlea and insert the electrodes. The next step they do is to insert the receiver behind the ear. This further is secured to the skull and the incision is stitched.
Once the completion of the surgery, you will be transferred to the recovery room to monitor if there are any side effects. You will be either discharged in a few hours or the next day. the surgeon will add the external part. After the addition of the external part then the internal parts will be activated.
You will be instructed on the method to take care of the incision. Regular checkups are important so that the doctors can check the progress of healing.
At CARE Hospitals, doctors come with a vast experience and understanding of cochlear implants to ensure you are given the right treatment. Our world-class infrastructure and use of advanced technology make it easier for us to conduct even the most complex procedure easily. If you want to learn more about cochlear implants, visit us today!
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