How do you prepare for Cochlear Implant Surgery?

• Before the surgery, you need to meet hearing and speech specialists who will conduct hearing tests and physical exams.
• You may have imaging tests like X-rays and MRI to determine the structure of your ear.
• You will also undergo undergo several  blood tests, and anesthesia clearance tests in order to determine your health condition
• Your doctor may ask you to stop taking blood thinning medicines like aspirin or other medications containing aspirin for at least two weeks prior to surgery.
• You will be asked to stop eating anything after midnight before the scheduled surgery

What happens during Cochlear Implant Surgery?

Cochlear Implant Surgery is performed under general anesthesia. In this procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision behind your ear. Then the implant is placed under the skin and the electrode is inserted into the inner ear. Next, your surgeon will close the incision sites with disposable stitches. A

What can you expect after Cochlear Implant Surgery?

• You may experience some soreness and pain near the surgical site.

• About 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery, the external parts of the cochlear implant will be added. These include a microphone and speech processor.
• You will likely require visits with speech-language pathologists and audiologists so that you can learn to experience an improved quality of life with a cochlear implant.

What are the risks associated with Cochlear Implant Surgery?

• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Infection in the area of the implant
• Ringing in the ears
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Numbness around the ear
• Changes in taste
• Dry mouth
• Injury to the facial nerve, which can cause movement problems in the face
• Leakage of spinal fluid
• Infection of the membrane that covers the brain (meningitis)
• Risks of general anesthesia

What are some of the lifestyle changes you need to make after Cochlear Implant Surgery?

Contact sports, automobile accidents, slips and falls, or other impacts near the ear can damage the implant, so you need to visit your doctor immediately if you face such situations. Your doctor may also advise against lifting even moderately heavy weights for some days after the surgery.