A cochlear implant is a surgical treatment for hearing loss and other auditory disorders, which can dramatically improve access to sound, and a person’s quality of life.
The technology is primarily used to give access to spoken language for candidates with severe to profound hearing loss where even well-fitted hearing aids are ineffective. It is suitable for both children and adults of all ages.
A cochlear implant may also be suitable for:
• Hearing loss caused by Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)
• Treatment for intractable tinnitus*
• Providing binaural hearing for those with single-side deafness*
* Southern Cross Health Insurance are now funding the device up to $17,000.
Before we recommend cochlear implantation we will need to establish whether the procedure is right for you, or your child.
Becoming a cochlear implant candidate involves an evaluation that includes audiology, ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultation, and speech and language assessment.
The assessment determines whether a cochlear implant will provide you or your child more benefit than conventional hearing aids. The Southern Cochlear Implant Programme carries out a full assessment over a number of appointments with its various specialists. We take time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you have during the process. Following the assessment, test results will be explained, a report summarising the assessment will be written and a recommendation made.
Read more about SCIPThe operation takes approximately two hours and is carried out under a general anaesthetic.
Once the cochlear implant operation is completed, clinicians will perform some initial implant testing in the operating theatre. This testing is in preparation for the subsequent activation of the sound processor.
While it is important to be aware that complications can occur, in practice very few significant negative side effects have been reported worldwide. The cochlear implant surgeon will discuss the risks with you in more detail before the surgery.
An overnight stay in hospital after the procedure is usually required. People are generally admitted the day before surgery, or the day of surgery itself. Those with a more involved medical history may be admitted a few days prior to the scheduled surgery date.
Recovery rates vary but most people report feeling well 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Once released from hospital, you could expect to be back in regular routines within 1-2 weeks.
You will be able to feel the cochlear implant under their skin.
Adults
You will be given antibiotics to prevent the likelihood of infection. It is important that the full course is taken according to the instructions on the label. You should take pain relief medicines such as Paracetamol or Nurofen on the advice of your surgeon. There may be swelling around the area after the operation, which may take a few weeks to resolve.
You may experience some bloody discharge from the ear for several days. You may be off work for a period. You will need to take care during hair washing, bathing and showering to avoid water getting into the area. Swimming should be avoided until after the first outpatient visit.
Children
You will be given antibiotics for your child. It is important that the full course is taken according to the instructions on the label. You should give your child pain relief medicines such as Paracetamol or Nurofen on the advice of your surgeon. There may be swelling around the area after the operation, which may take a few weeks to resolve.
Your child may experience some bloody discharge from the ear for several days. You should take care to minimise any potential chance of a head injury. They may need to be off school for a period and avoid sports activities. You will need to take care during hair washing, bathing and showering to avoid water getting into the area. Swimming should be avoided until after the first outpatient visit.
The operation takes approximately two hours and is carried out under a general anaesthetic. Once the cochlear implant operation is completed, staff will perform some initial implant testing in the operating theatre. This testing is in preparation for the subsequent activation of the sound processor.
No. At this point only the internal parts of the device have been fitted. Depending on you or your child’s recovery after surgery, you may have your device activated within 1-2 days after the operation, or there may be a wait of up to 14 days after surgery to allow any swelling or tenderness around the implant site to subside, before the external parts of the device are fitted. The external processor is adjusted to you or your child’s individual hearing responses.
Individuals respond differently on the first day of activation or ‘switch-on’. It will take time to adjust to the new sound. This can be quite an emotional experience for a recipient and their family.
Programming and evaluation of the implant system continues over the following months/years. The total number of appointments depends on individual needs, and speech and hearing tests are completed on a regular basis to measure benefit.
Your specialist will provide you with an estimated outline of ongoing support you or your child may need.
Outcomes vary between people and may be dependent on factors such as:
• The history of you or your child’s hearing loss and past auditory experience
• Consistency of use of the implant system
• Listening practise as part of a spoken language programme
A cochlear implant in adults can provide access to spoken language with or without lip reading cues. Some adults may be able to hear on the phone. In young children, a cochlear
implant can facilitate the development of spoken language. Children with congenital hearing loss implanted by their first birthday may achieve spoken language the equivalent of their
hearing peers by the start of school.
It is important to understand that a cochlear implant does not restore normal hearing. People may still experience difficulty hearing in background noise or other group or difficult listening situations.
Expectations and outcomes for each candidate are discussed in some depth prior to implantation.
There are no minimum or maximum age limits for cochlear implantation. If you are deemed an appropriate candidate, we will assist you with appropriate treatment.
The entire system consists of two main parts, the implanted electrode array and the externally worn speech processor equipment. The cochlear implant is surgically placed in the ear. The electrode array is placed into the cochlea.
A referral to the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme can be made by ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, audiologists, and advisors on deaf children.
At Wakefield Hospital we have two ENT specialists providing Cochlear Implant Surgeries – Dr Rebecca Garland, and Dr Alice Stringer.
Find out more on referrals by visiting the SCIP website.
To find out information on costs please visit the SCIP website.