Cochlear Implant Surgery in Zirakpur

Overview

Cochlear implant surgery is a procedure that restores hearing in those with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. It involves the implantation of a small electronic device into the cochlea (of the inner ear) to bypass damaged portions of the ear to stimulate the auditory nerve and allow sound signals to be sent to the brain. The cochlear implant surgery is typically done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Rehabilitation is required for the patient to adjust to the new way of hearing. Cochlear implants are a life-changing treatment to improve speech understanding, especially for those who do not respond well to traditional hearing aids.

When Is A Cochlear Implant Surgery Recommended?

Cochlear implant surgery is required for individuals with hearing loss in both ears and little to benefit from conventional hearing aids. The surgery is primarily recommended for the following conditions:

• Severe to profound hearing loss: Individuals with over 70% loss of cochlear hair cell function, inability to hear most sounds at any volume, and significantly poor understanding of speech might be candidates. 
• Limited benefits from hearing aids: Traditional hearing aids are tried on the patient before opting for the surgery.
• Post-lingual hearing loss: Cochlear implants specifically benefit those adults and children who lost hearing after acquiring language. However, pre-lingual deafness in children may also be treated with this surgery, ideally at a young age to support language development.
• Age and health considerations: Suitable candidates include infants as young as 6-12 months to elderly individuals. They should be in overall good health.
• Motivation and realistic expectations: The individual should be committed to rehabilitation post-surgery, including auditory training and speech therapy. Carrying realistic expectations by the patient and his/her family is also important.
• Support system: A support system including family and friends with educational and rehabilitation services should be there, especially in the case of children. 
• Bilateral implantation: Sometimes, implantation in both ears is recommended to improve one’s ability to localize sound and also understand speech in noisy environments.

The decision to undergo a cochlear implant surgery is taken after a thorough evaluation by qualified medical professionals such as audiologists, ENTs, and speech-language pathologists.