Long-Term Implications of Cochlear Implant Surgery

 With the advancements in technology and medicine, cochlear implants have completely revolutionized the manner in which people approach hearing loss worldwide. With the help of cochlear implant treatment​, people suffering from severe to profound hearing loss not only get to hear the sounds, but they also pave the way for them towards an improved quality of life through better communication and social interactions. Contrary to what hearing aids do, cochlear implants have the capability to directly bypass the damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, which helps individuals with severe to profound hearing loss listen to various sounds more clearly. While the immediate benefits of cochlear implants, such as improved speech recognition and better interaction in educational or work environments, are very well-known, the long-term benefits of having these implants are often undermined. It is also very important to consider how cochlear implant surgery​ affects the person in the long run in terms of its longevity, ability to affect the auditory nerve, and the plasticity of the brain, and other factors related to the hardware and the technical advancements of the device. In this article, we will discuss in detail the long-term implications of having a cochlear implant so that patients or their loved ones can confidently make the right choice regarding their cochlear implants


What is a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant is a small device that involves the placement of one part behind the ear and the implantation of the other part surgically inside the ear. These devices are perfect for individuals who have profound hearing loss. A cochlear implant can bypass the inner ear and stimulate the auditory nerve directly. Hence, these devices are especially appropriate for individuals facing sensorineural hearing loss caused by a head injury, noise-induced hearing loss, or diabetes. Cochlear Implants can greatly help individuals with deafness in either one or both ears, so much so that they can not understand speech clearly. These criteria have been set for people who can only understand 50% or even less of the sounds they hear during a hearing test. The cochlear implant generates electrical impulses directly into the brain through the auditory nerve, and in turn, successfully restores hearing of the patient. However, it might take a time period of a few months to get used to the implants and fully adapt to the changes they bring in hearing. A cochlear implant device consists of four different components: a microphone, a transmitter, a receiver, and an electrode.

What are the long-term effects of cochlear implants?

Some of the long-term implications that cochlear implant surgery can bring to the lives of the patients are:

  1. Longevity of the device: While the internal implant is designed to be functional for an entire lifetime of the patient, the outer part of the cochlear implant might need to be changed every 5-7 years, similar to a hearing aids​ treatment​.
  2. Performance: The performance of the cochlear implants might depend on various factors, including the type of hearing loss, the age at which the implant was placed, and individual differences. Most of the patients, however, feel highly benefited throughout their lives in terms of hearing.
  3. Device Failure: Though these cases are not common, sometimes the implanted devices might fail to function properly, in which case, another implant is administered to the patient.
  4. Some side effects: Cochlear implants can sometimes give rise to certain side effects such as infection, meningitis, skin and tissue changes, and dizziness. However, these side effects can easily be taken care of.
  5. Improved Quality of Life: Cochlear implant surgery in Mohali can significantly improve the quality of life of the patients while improving their speech recognition and understanding. It also has a positive effect on self-esteem, confidence, and the ability of the patients to interact socially.

Apart from the above-mentioned implications, there are many other aspects of life where cochlear implants can help patients. With cochlear implant surgery in Chandigarh, people can easily distinguish between loud, soft, and medium intensity of sounds. Patients who could not even hear a loud noise, or had to rely on lip-reading to understand what other people were saying, can now even hear the sounds of footsteps, rustling of leaves, the sound of a switch turning a light on and off, and so on! They can also enjoy music, watch TV along with friends and family, make telephone calls, and understand speech without lip-reading. 

If you are looking for the Best cochlear implant surgeon in Mohali or the best Hearing loss treatment​ in Mohali, Sohana Hospital might just be the right choice for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali has the world’s most advanced technology and North India’s Most Trusted and Experienced Audiologists and ENT specialists who provide the most comprehensive and holistic treatment for all the ENT-related problems of the patients in the region, including all kinds of hearing loss. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards hearing the harmonies of life!



Location: Sohana Hospital

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