How Does the Surgery Work?

Getting Ready for Surgery:

You will have an appointment with one of the surgeons to discuss the pros and cons of hearing implantation and, importantly, make sure that an implant is right for you.
They will explain the process and answer your questions.
You will then have a detailed discussion with the audiology team about what to expect from your hearing implant, see the implant you have chosen, and learn how it works. It is important that you are completely happy with the decision you have made, so there is ample opportunity to ask any questions you might have and see the surgeon once again should you wish.

Surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep during the procedure. It takes around an hour.
A small cut is made behind your ear, measuring about 6cm.
We access the inner ear through the mastoid. The implant is then placed under the skin, and the electrode array is gently placed inside your inner ear (the cochlea).

You will be able to go home on the same day, and you should keep the wound dry for 10 days.
An appointment will be made 2 weeks later to check that all is well. An X-ray is performed at that appointment to check the placement of the electrode array
The implant will be switched on by one of our hearing implant audiologists, and over the following few weeks, it will be gradually adjusted to deliver the best possible hearing outcome.

What Are the Risks of Cochlear Implant Surgery?

Like any surgery, cochlear implant surgery carries risks, but serious complications are rare. Here are the most common risks:

Dizziness or Balance Problems
After surgery, you might feel dizzy for a short time, but this usually settles down. Very occasionally imbalance can persist and be problematic (<1%).
Changes in Taste
Sometimes, food might taste different for a while.
Bleeding or Swelling
Some people might have minor bleeding or swelling near the surgery site, but this usually settles without intervention.
Pain
This operation is normally not a painful procedure, but you can have some minor discomfort that is managed by regular painkillers.
Infection
The area around the implant might get infected, but this can usually be treated with antibiotics. Very occasionally (<1%), the implant has to be removed and replaced
Device Issues
The implant might not work perfectly, and you may need adjustments or, in rare cases, another surgery.
Major Risks are extremely rare. Persistent facial nerve palsy (injury of the nerve that moves your face) has been reported, but the risk is less than 1 in 1000.

Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Keep the wound dry for 10 days.
Usually you will need to take around one week off work but this does depend on how you feel
Go to all your follow-up appointments to make sure the implant is working properly.
Do not fly for six weeks.