What you can expect

Before the procedure

You or your child will need a detailed medical evaluation to determine if cochlear implants are a good option. A doctor will conduct an evaluation that may include:

• Ordering tests of hearing, speech and sometimes balance
• Performing a physical examination to assess your inner ear's health
• Ordering MRI or CT imaging tests of the skull to assess the condition of the cochlea and inner ear structure
• Ordering mental health (psychological) testing in select cases to determine your ability to learn to use cochlear implants

During the procedure

Your surgeon will make a cut (incision) behind your ear, and form a small hole in the portion of skull bone (mastoid) where the internal device rests.

Your surgeon will then create a small opening in the cochlea in order to thread the electrode of the internal device. The skin incision is stitched closed so that the internal device is under your skin.

After the procedure

You or your child might experience:

• Pressure or discomfort over the implanted ear or ears
• Dizziness or nausea

Most people feel well enough to return home the day of surgery or the next day.

An audiologist won't turn on (activate) the cochlear implants for about two to six weeks after your surgery — to give the surgery site time to heal.

Activation

To activate the cochlear implant, an audiologist will:

• Adjust the sound processor to fit you or your child
• Check the components of the cochlear implant to make sure they work
• Determine what sounds you or your child hears
• Give you information on the proper care and use of the device
• Set the device so that you can hear to the best of your ability

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation involves training your brain to understand sounds heard through the cochlear implant. Speech and everyday environmental noises will sound different from what you remember.

Your brain needs time to recognize what these sounds mean. This process is ongoing and is best achieved by wearing the speech processor continuously during waking hours.