A week or more after surgery, the outside part of the cochlear implant is secured to the receiver-stimulator that was implanted behind the ear. It is only at this point that you will be able to use the device.

Once the surgery site is well healed, and the implant is attached to the outside processor, you will begin to work with specialists to learn to "hear" and process sound using the cochlear implant. These specialists may include:

• Audiologists
• Speech therapists
• Ear, nose, and throat doctors (otolaryngologists)

This is a very important part of the process. To get the most benefit from the implant requires a coordinated effort between you and the team of specialists.

OUTLOOK

Results with cochlear implants vary widely. How well you do depends on:

• The condition of the hearing nerve before surgery
• Your mental abilities
• The device being used
• The length of time you were deaf
• The surgery

Some patients can learn to communicate on the telephone. Others can only recognize sound. Getting the maximum results can take up to several years, and you need to be motivated. Patients are often enrolled in hearing and speech rehabilitation programs.

LIVING WITH AN IMPLANT

Once you have healed, there are few restrictions. Most activities are allowed. However, some health care providers recommend avoiding full-contact sports to lessen the chance of trauma to the implanted device.

Most patients with cochlear implants cannot get MRI scans, because the implant is made of metal.

Images

Ear anatomy

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Cochlear implant Prevention

Review Date: 05/31/2011
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)