Cochlear Implants Surgery
It may happen that the inner ear, the cochlea, is damaged and is unable to transmit sound signals to the brain, leading to hearing loss. Hearing loss may occur due to other reasons.
In such cases of profound hearing loss, the only solution is cochlear implant surgery.
The procedure involves implanting a device to stimulate the auditory nerve.
Learn why India is the best for cochlear implant surgery.
Symptoms indicating need for Cochlear Implant Surgery
Profound hearing loss results in difficulty in understanding speech and poses social and communication challenges.
A person so affected may face difficulties in social settings and at work. An ENT specialist will conduct a diagnosis and recommend cochlear implant surgery.
Diagnosis for Cochlear Implant Surgery
An ENT specialist will assess the cause of hearing loss and also carry out other diagnostic tests such as an audiological evaluation and speech-language assessment.
Based on the results he will indicate the need for cochlear implant surgery.
Treatment and surgical procedure of Cochlear Implant Surgery
- The first line of treatment is to try the use of conventional hearing aids.
- This works for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- However, where the hearing loss is profound, the only solution is a cochlear implant surgery.
- The patient undergoes treatment and the surgical procedure that starts with a general anesthesia.
- The surgeon incises a portion behind the ear and creates an opening in the skull bone to access the cochlea.
- The next step is to place an electrode array into the cochlea to stimulate the auditory nerve.
- Thereafter the internal receiver is placed under the skin just behind the ear and connected to the electrode array.
- The incision is sutured and the patient remains under observation in the hospital for a couple of hours or for a day before going home.
- Once some healing has taken place, the implant is activated and the patient attends sessions to adjust the device settings.
- At the same time the patient also attends speech and auditory training programs to adapt to the new auditory input.
- In most cases the patient is able to hear properly after the cochlear implantation.
Success of Cochlear Implant Surgery
The success of cochlear implant surgery depends on the patient’s age, for how long he has been deaf, the underlying causes of deafness, and how well he completes the rehab process.
In most cases, the outcome is positive with the patient able to hear normally.
Risks associated with Cochlear Implant Surgery
There are various risks associated with cochlear implant surgery.
There may be bleeding and infection at the site as well as damage to surrounding tissues.
Some patients may experience tinnitus, a ringing in the ears, after the surgery, but this resolves over time.
Some patients are likely to experience imbalance or dizziness, and this happens if the vestibular nerve is affected.
The device may fail or malfunction and electrodes may migrate.
Why India is the best option for Cochlear Implant Surgery
India is the best option for cochlear implant surgery for a number of reasons:
- The surgery itself costs far less in India than elsewhere, and the implant also costs less, even after taking into consideration travel and accommodation costs.
- India has expert, highly qualified, and experienced surgeons capable of carrying out complex procedures with high success rates.
- India has hundreds of private hospitals with the best infrastructure by way of equipments and personnel.
- You can take in the sights after the surgery is over.
If there is hearing impairment, there is no need to bear this situation when it can be remedied with a cochlear implant surgery. Get it done fast in India and at the lowest cost.