Cochlear Implant Surgery

Cochlear Implant Surgery:
Hear The Beauty of The World

What is Cochlear Implant Surgery?

Cochlear implant surgery is a life-changing procedure for those with severe hearing loss. It is a surgical procedure that involves placing a small electronic device called a cochlear implant in the inner ear to help people hear better. The implant bypasses damaged hair cells in the inner ear and sends signals directly to the auditory nerve, which then sends signals to the brain, allowing the individual to perceive sound.

There are many benefits to cochlear implant surgery. Firstly, it can significantly improve the individual’s ability to communicate with others, allowing them to participate more fully in social situations and maintain meaningful relationships. It can also improve their ability to hear and understand speech, which can greatly enhance their work and academic performance.

Why Consider Cochlear Implant Surgery?

Improved Communication: This surgery can dramatically enhance the ability to communicate, fostering better social interactions and relationships.
Enhanced Hearing Abilities: It aids in better speech comprehension, positively affecting work and educational activities.
Quality of Life: With a cochlear implant, people can enjoy music, watch TV, and engage in outdoor activities, gaining independence and a renewed sense of freedom.
Mental Health Benefits: Studies suggest that recipients often experience a better quality of life and reduced depression risks.

When is Cochlear Implant Surgery Necessary?

People with moderate to profound hearing loss may benefit from a cochlear implant. When the cochlea (inner ear) is badly damaged, the sound heard through a conventional hearing aid may be too distorted to understand, or even non-existent. In such cases, hearing can be rehabilitated with a cochlear implant.

Cochlear implants can be used in one or both ears by people with hearing loss in both ears, and in the deaf ear in people with single sided deafness.

Is Cochlear Implant Surgery Right for You?

Cochlear implant surgery isn’t for everyone. Suitable candidates are determined by specialists, considering age, hearing loss severity and type, and overall health. If you’re contemplating cochlear implant surgery, it’s crucial to consult with a specialist.

Candidacy Requirements for Cochlear Implant Surgery

Degree of Hearing Loss

Intended for patients with serious hearing impairment.
Suitable when the loss is in both ears, at a severe or profound level.

Age Factors

Approved for use by both mature individuals and young children.
Children are eligible from 12 months to facilitate early speech and language skills.

Communication Capacity

Designed for those who cannot effectively use spoken language.
Aims to help even when traditional hearing aids do not suffice.

Medical History Review

A thorough health history check is a prerequisite.
It’s crucial to identify any medical issues that might compromise the surgery’s success.

Setting Expectations

Patients should have a practical understanding of the surgery’s potential benefits.
They must be ready to engage in the rehabilitation process essential for the implant’s success.

Further Evaluations

In some cases, more tests, like imaging of the inner ear or auditory nerve function tests, are needed. Remember, candidacy is not just about hearing loss; communication needs and personal preferences also play a role.

The Cochlear Implant Surgery Process Explained

Let’s explore how we perform cochlear implant surgery at Nuffield Medical, where we blend expertise and care to improve your hearing experience.

Stage 1: Preoperative Evaluation and Audiometry Test

Stage 2: Cochlear Implant Surgery and Postoperative Care

Stage 3: Mapping Sessions and Activation

Stage 1: Preoperative Evaluation and Audiometry Test

Thorough Consultation: Before deciding on surgery, you’ll have a detailed talk about your hearing loss history, medical background, and what you expect from the surgery.
Comprehensive Hearing Test: We’ll check the extent of your hearing loss to decide if cochlear implants are right for you.
Medical and Inner Ear Evaluation: A full health check and scans like CT or MRI help us see your inner ear’s structure to plan the best approach.
Audiologist’s Role: You’ll also meet an audiologist for specialised tests to tailor the implant to your needs.

Stage 2: Cochlear Implant Surgery and Postoperative Care

Embarking on the journey of cochlear implant surgery requires careful preparation and thorough postoperative care. This critical phase involves adhering to medical advice, understanding the surgical process, and ensuring strong support systems for recovery. With dedicated professionals at Nuffield ENT, patients are guided towards achieving improved hearing capabilities and a significantly enhanced quality of life.

1. Surgery Day Details: You’ll be under general anesthesia for comfort. The surgery takes about 2-3 hours with a small incision behind the ear.

2. Accessing the Cochlea: We make a tiny hole in the skull to reach the cochlea and insert an electrode array. This stimulates your auditory nerve for hearing.

3. Recovery Post-Surgery: After closing the incision, you’ll rest in recovery. We’ll keep an eye on you for a few hours before you head home.

4. Healing at Home: It takes a few weeks to heal. Avoid heavy activities and keep the incision site clean. We’ll have follow-up appointments to adjust your implant and check on your progress.

5. Safe and Effective: This surgery is a proven solution for severe hearing loss, and most patients find it comfortable and beneficial.

Overall, post-surgery care and rehabilitation are important components of the cochlear implant process. With the right care and support, patients can enjoy improved hearing and a better quality of life. As an experienced surgeon in cochlear implant surgery.

Nuffield’s doctors work closely with our patients to provide the best possible care and support throughout the entire process.

Stage 3: Mapping Sessions and Activation

Activation Excitement: Around three weeks post-surgery, we activate your implant. This is often a life-changing moment!
Mapping for Clarity: The audiologist programs your device in ‘mapping’ sessions to make speech sounds clear.

Cochlear implant surgery has the potential to significantly transform the lives of individuals with severe or profound hearing loss. However, determining if someone is a suitable candidate for this procedure involves a comprehensive evaluation, which goes beyond simply assessing the severity of hearing loss.

Comprehensive Evaluations for Candidacy: To fully assess suitability, additional tests may be required. These can include imaging tests to examine the structure of the inner ear, ensuring it can accommodate the implant. Additionally, auditory brainstem response testing might be conducted to evaluate the functioning of the auditory nerve, which is crucial for the implant’s success.

Considering Individual Needs: It’s important to recognize that eligibility for cochlear implant surgery isn’t determined solely by the level of hearing loss. Factors like personal communication needs and preferences play a vital role. These aspects are essential to ensure that the implant aligns with the individual’s lifestyle and goals.

Consulting with Specialists: To navigate these considerations, consulting with a qualified otolaryngologist or a cochlear implant surgeon is key. These specialists can provide a thorough candidacy evaluation, taking into account all relevant factors to determine if cochlear implant surgery is the right option.

Taking the Next Steps: If you are considering cochlear implant surgery, reaching out to a qualified specialist is the first step. By scheduling a consultation and undergoing a candidacy evaluation, you can explore the possibility of this life-altering procedure in a safe and informed manner.

In summary, while cochlear implant surgery offers a transformative opportunity for those with significant hearing loss, a careful and thorough evaluation of candidacy is crucial to ensure the best outcomes.

Schedule online. It’s easy, fast and secure.

Overview of Dr. Rebecca Heywood's Experience with Cochlear Implant Surgery

I am a highly experienced ear, nose, and throat surgeon with a special interest in otology and hearing implants. With 25 years of medical experience and a wealth of training in world-renowned institutions, I have developed extensive expertise in surgery of the ear and skull base.

My subspecialty fellowship training at the Ear Science Institute Australia, under the mentorship of Professor Marcus Atlas, allowed me to refine my skills in surgery of the ear and skull base. During this fellowship, I performed many middle ear, cochlear, and other hearing implant operations. I have also gained further experience in ear surgery at several prestigious centers internationally, including the House Ear Institute in Los Angeles and the Causse Clinic in Beziers.

I am considered a key opinion leader in ear and hearing and have co-founded the hearing implant programs at Ng Teng Fong and Sengkang General Hospitals in Singapore. My team at Jurong Health Campus won a Service Quality Patient Experience Award for the Adult Cochlear Implant Program in 2018. I have also been an expert advisor on the provision of cochlear, middle ear, and bone conduction implants in public healthcare and have contributed to World Health Organization strategy workshops on ear and hearing care in the Western Pacific region.

In addition to my clinical work, I have a strong track record in research and teaching.

My research has been widely reported in the media, and I have been awarded grant funding to investigate the link between hearing loss and dementia in the aging population in Singapore. I am also involved in clinical research on cochlear implantation and other auditory implants.

Overall, my extensive experience in ear surgery, my leadership in hearing implant programs, and my involvement in research and teaching demonstrate my expertise as a highly experienced surgeon in cochlear implant surgery.