Cochlear Implant
Introduction
Cochlear implants have revolutionized hearing loss treatment. They offer hope and a new life to individuals with severe hearing impairments. Surgeons implant these small, complex electronic devices. They help people with hearing loss or deafness regain their ability to hear and communicate. For those who do not benefit from conventional hearing aids, cochlear implants provide an invaluable solution. With advanced technology and improved surgical techniques, cochlear implants continue to transform lives. They offer greater opportunities for social interaction, education, and professional success.
What is a Cochlear Implant?
Engineers design cochlear implants as medical devices. They are meant to bypass damaged parts of the ear. The implants directly stimulate the auditory nerve. This allows individuals with severe hearing loss or total deafness to hear sounds. Unlike hearing aids that amplify sound, cochlear implants convert sound into electrical signals and send them to the brain. It has an external part (the microphone and sound processor) and an internal part (the receiver/stimulator and electrode array) that surgeons surgically placed under the skin.
Why is Cochlear Implant Necessary?
Doctors most often implant cochlear implants in the lives of individuals with severe and profound sensorineural hearing losses that traditional amplification doesn’t help at all. These include genetic disorders, illness, injuries, and/or aging, all of which affect the normal or near-normal cochlear inner ear. The process transforms the potential for patients receiving cochlear implants into something beyond just survival, enabling full interaction with others using sounds as language. In addition, cochlear implants may be useful to children born with hearing loss. They allow such children to develop a language and communicate in the early years of life.
Types of Cochlear Implants
Generally, there are two major types of cochlear implants based on the brand and features:
- Single-channel Cochlear Implants: This type of implant includes one electrode array that an audiologist inserts into the cochlea; here the user can only detect limited sound.
- Multichannel Cochlear Implants: These are better and more commonly found; they use several electrodes for stimulating different parts of the cochlea, allowing for the detection of a wider range of sounds.
Wireless accessories can sometimes accompany an implant, allowing users to stream audio from mobile devices for enjoyment on phones, TVs, and computers.
Procedure for Cochlear Implant
Cochlear implantation surgery is done through a procedure consisting of steps, which normally take a few hours. A simplified version of the surgery procedure:
- Pre-Operative Testing: A few days before the procedure, patients have medical imaging tests and counseling about whether they can qualify for an implant. This also includes evaluating patients’ general health and their levels of hearing impairment.
- Anesthesia: The surgery takes place under general anesthesia. In this case, the patient sleeps through the surgery for comfort’s sake.
- Incision and Insertion: Behind the ear, the surgeon performs a small incision to insert the receiver/stimulator of the implant under the skin by creating a small hole in the skull.
- Electrode Array Insertion: The surgeon inserts the electrode array into the cochlea so that it can stimulate the auditory nerve
- Closing the Incision: Once the device is in place, the incision is closed with sutures, and the patient is transferred to the recovery room.
- Post-Operative Care: The patient is observed for a few hours before being discharged. Post-operative care instructions will be given to ensure optimal healing.
Benefits of Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants have several advantages over conventional hearing aids, such as:
- Restores the Ability to Hear: Cochlear implants allow a person to better identify and understand sounds, thus facilitating communication and daily life.
- Speech Recognition: Hearing aids merely amplify sound, but cochlear implants enable people to distinguish speech better, even in noisy settings.
- Better Quality of Life: Cochlear implants enhance communication skills, enabling patients to engage in social activities, education, and professional life that hearing loss had otherwise limited.
- Long-Term Effectiveness: Cochlear implants offer long-term benefits and professionals can adjust them over time to ensure optimal performance.
- Non-Invasive Options: Advances in cochlear implant technology now include wireless connectivity, providing users with even greater flexibility and convenience in daily life.
Cost of Cochlear Implants
- United States: $40,000 to $60,000.
- United Kingdom: $30,000 and $40,000.
- Australia: $25,000 and $35,000.
- India: $12,000 and $25,000
Hospitals in India for Cochlear Implant Treatment
- Metro Hospital Faridabad: Recognized for its quality healthcare services and advanced medical treatments, Metro Hospital also offers cochlear implant surgery with high success rates.
- Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi: This hospital offers the latest options in treatments with excellent medical staff and is among the best places for a cochlear implant.
- Fortis Healthcare, Delhi: Fortis employs cutting-edge technology and a highly experienced team of surgeons specializing in cochlear implants, earning its renowned status.
- Apollo Hospitals, Delhi: With a well-established reputation, Apollo Hospitals provides comprehensive cochlear implant solutions and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Risks and Complications
Cochlear implantation, like all surgeries, has some risks, which include:
- Infection: Chances of infection at the incision site or on the implanted device are possible.
- Dizziness or Balance Issues: Some patients may suffer from a temporary problem in balance after surgery.
- Device Failure: Although unlikely to occur, the implanted device is at risk of becoming faulty and needing repair or replacement.
- Tinnitus: The patient might face ringing or buzzing in the ears after the implantation.
Recovery After Cochlear Implant Surgery
Recovery from cochlear implant surgery usually takes a few weeks. Here is what to expect:
- Immediate Post-Surgery Care: Patients are monitored in the hospital for a few hours after surgery. Pain and swelling are common, but medication can help manage these symptoms.
- Follow-up Appointments: The external portion of the implant (the sound processor) is usually activated a few weeks after the surgery. During follow-up visits, audiologists fine-tune the device to optimize hearing.
- Rehabilitation: The essence of hearing rehabilitation therapy would be to allow patients to get accustomed to the new experience of sound. Speech therapy can be recommended for patients, mainly those who are children.
- Return to Normal Activities: Most patients can return to their usual activities a few weeks after surgery. However, it often takes a few months to fully adjust.
