Cochlear Implant Surgery Explained: An ENT Specialist’s Guide to Restoring Hearing

If you suffer from hearing loss and have already been using hearing aids, it might not be enough; you must get cochlear implants. These are medical devices designed to restore a sense of sound among persons suffering from profound hearing impairment. This is quite an innovative and effective solution, but you need to understand how cochlear implants can be beneficial. So, let’s know whether you are making the right choice to improve the quality of life with cochlear implants.

• What Are Cochlear Implants?

Cochlear implants are medical devices directly stimulating the auditory nerve by bypassing the damaged inner ear parts. It allows the sound signals to reach the brain, and thus, an individual can overcome hearing loss. It differs from other hearing aids, as cochlear implants convert sound waves into electrical impulses so the brain can interpret the sound. Thus, if traditional hearing aids fail to resolve the hearing then cochlear implants are recommended by an ENT specialist. 

• Who Is a Good Candidate for Cochlear Implants?

Both adults and children can be good candidates for cochlear implants. However, children need early implementation to develop language and communication skills. Your ENT specialist can help you make a better decision based on a thorough evaluation that ensures that the individual is fit to gain successful outcomes. Browse https://earnosethroat.com.sg/cochlear-implant-specialist-singapore for more details. 

• How Does Cochlear Implant Surgery Work?

To complete a cochlear implant, one needs to go through several stages, such as:

• Pre-Surgery Evaluation

Your ENT specialist and an audiologist will help you to go through a comprehensive assessment, which includes hearing tests and imaging studies, and they will also discuss your expectations. A cochlear implant would be recommended based on the assessment report and the extent of hearing loss.

• The Surgery

This is a minimally invasive procedure that takes about 2-3 hours to complete. The patient is given general anesthesia, and then the surgeon makes a tiny incision right behind the ear. This makes accessing the inner ear structures more accessible, and the implant’s internal components are positioned under the skin. It is further inserted into the cochlea. Next, the electrode array is inserted into the cochlea, the receiver is secured, and the incision is sealed. 

• Activation of the Implant

The healing takes a few weeks to complete, and a follow-up session is performed. The audiologist attaches the external sound processor to the implant, adjusts the settings, and activates it. However, it might not provide an instant, natural hearing aid. One needs to work with audiologists and therapists post-surgery on auditory rehabilitation. With time, the brain starts to interpret the sounds, and perception improves.

Benefits of Cochlear Implants

Some common benefits include:

• Improved communication
• Better quality of life
• Cognitive benefits

Even though these are safe, you must also consider the limitations, such as surgical risk, adjustment to sound quality, and periodic replacement or upgrade of the external component. Check out this website for more info on Naturopathic Medicine.

Conclusion

A cochlear implant is a personal decision, and you need to be guided by an experienced ENT specialist. Several factors need to be considered, such as the degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, commitment to post-surgery rehabilitation, and more. So, take your time, do not rush, and when you have clarity, make the right choice.