Everything You Need To Know About Cochlear Implant Treatment
Cochlear implant is an electronic device which reduces hearing loss. This device does not restore hearing but improves a person’s ability to hear more sounds and understand speech. Keep reading to explore various topics about cochlear implant, such as what is cochlear implant, how to prepare for cochlear implant, what are the complications of cochlear implant surgery, what is the cost of cochlear implant in India, which are the best hospitals for cochlear implant in India, and who are the top surgeons for cochlear implant in India.
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What is cochlear implant?
A cochlear implant is an electronic device which improves severe to moderate hearing loss. This device is used to help hearing loss in children, adults and babies. It works by electrically stimulating cochlear nerves. A cochlear implant has inner and external components. The external part is placed behind the ear and consists of a microphone that receives sound waves. The speech processor analyzes sound and changes them to digital signals. The signals are transmitted to a transmitter, which sends them to an internal receiver. The receiver and transmitter are held together by a small magnet. It takes training and some time to learn to interpret signals received from the cochlear implant. After three to six months of use, most individuals with cochlear implants make considerable improvements in understanding speech.
A surgeon will make a small opening behind your ear, and create a minute hole in the upper section of skull bone where the internal device is fixed. The surgeon then creates a small opening in the cochlea to thread the electrode of the internal device. The doctor will then stitch the skin incision so that the internal device lies under the skin.
Cochlear implants might be placed in one ear or both ears. Adults can have one hearing aid and one cochlear implant at first. Moreover, cochlear implants can be often placed in both the ears at the same time in children suffering from bilateral severe hearing loss. Adults of any age and children aged 6 to 12 months can benefit from a cochlear implant.
Causes and Symptoms
Causes
- Buildup of earwax
- Damage to the inner ear
- Unusual bone growths/ tumors
- Ear infection, aging
- Ruptured eardrum
- Age/heredity
Symptoms
- Trouble hearing high-pitched sound
- Trouble understanding speech on phone
- Trouble hearing in noisy environment
- Strain while hearing conversations
- Less trouble hearing men's voices than women's voices
- Some sounds appear overly loud in one ear
Diagnosis
Physical exam: The doctor will look in the ear for some possible causes of hearing loss, such as an infection or earwax. The way the ear is formed might lead to hearing problems, as well.
Tuning fork tests: Tuning forks are two-pronged instruments that produce sounds when hit. Tests with tuning forks will help detect hearing loss. They might also indicate the position of the ear damage.
Audiometer tests: A hearing loss specialist will perform these tests. Words and sound are passed through earphones to both ears. Each tone will be repeated at low levels to determine the quietest sound the individual can hear.
Screening tests: A whisper test is done in which one ear is covered at a time while listening to words spoken at different volumes. This test will show how the individual reacts to other sounds.
Otoacoustic emissions test: Audiologists will use this test to find how well your inner ear, or cochlea, works.
Tympanometry: It checks how well the eardrum moves. Audiologists will do tympanometry tests to check whether you have a ruptured eardrum and whether you have wax in your ear canal or fluid in your middle ear.
Risk & Complications
Meningitis: Meningitis is an infection of the inner lining of the brain surface. People with abnormally formed inner ear structures might be at greater risk of this complication.
Injury to facial nerve: This nerve passes through the middle ear to provide movement to the face muscles. It is located close to where the surgeon will place the implant. Therefore, it may be injured during the surgery. The injury might cause a temporary or permanent weakening on the same side of your face as the implant.
Cerebrospinal fluid leakage: This protective fluid in the brain might leak through a hole created in the inner ear or from any other place from a hole in the protective covering of the brain during the procedure.
Perilymph fluid leak: The inner ear is filled with a clear fluid which may leak through the hole made to place the implant.
Other risks: There is also a risk of an infection of the skin wound. The surgery might also result in blood or fluid collection at the surgery site.
Preparation of Treatment
There are some steps you can take to prepare for your cochlear surgery. Come in comfortable clothes so you can change them easily before the surgery. Bring your family members or friends to the hospital who can stay with you for emotion support. Remove all jewelries and leave them at home. From midnight on the day of the scheduled surgery, do not eat or drink anything. This is because of the anesthetic's temporary suppression of the body's responses. There might be vomiting if the stomach contains liquid and food. Clean the scalp and behind the ears where the implants will be placed. Cleaning should be done using a soap or an anti-bacterial shampoo as this site will have an incision for surgery.
Best Doctors for Cochlear Implant Treatment
Best Hospitals for Cochlear Implant Treatment
35, Dr. E Borges Road, Mumbai 400012 India Cost of the treatment
Cost of cochlear implant surgery?
Cochlear implant cost in India starts at a price of $10,000. Numerous variables might affect the cost of cochlear implant in India. Tier-1 or tier-2 cities, type of the hospital, admission fee, fees of the treating hearing loss doctor, type of the surgery, and any post-surgical complications are some factors that may influence cochlear implant cost in India. The total cost of the surgery might also be affected by the number of diagnostic tests done. The total cost of cochlear implant surgery in India might be reduced based on an insurance plan.
Recovery
Recovery after cochlear implant surgery
The patient will require a recovery period of 3-4 weeks after cochlear implant surgery. You will have to take time off from work for up to a week after the procedure to allow the incision site to heal. However, many individuals are able to return to their normal routines in a few days. You will be asked not to lift even moderately heavy weights for some days after surgery. You need to check with your doctor about how much activity would be safe for you. Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet after your surgery to help promote healing and avoid any side effects from the anesthesia. You would be able to wash and shower your hair a week after surgery unless asked otherwise. Make sure to keep water out of the ear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cochlear implant
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