Hearing problems are a fairly common ailment. Importantly, it affects not only the elderly, but also the very young and even newborn babies. It makes it difficult to function normally and efficiently in everyday life and, in some cases, prevents people from getting the job of their dreams. For many patients, therefore, cochlear implant surgery is an opportunity to function normally and independently in everyday life. This includes people who were born with hearing problems, as well as those who have lost their hearing, for example in an accident, operation or injury. It is always carried out on the recommendation of an ENT doctor after a thorough diagnosis of the patient. A cochlear implant can be fitted in children, adults and the elderly. The operation requires a stay in hospital and is quite complex. The patient must be adequately prepared for it.

Cochlear implant surgery

The surgical procedure for a cochlear implant aims to reach the cochlea and then place a special electrode to stimulate it. A processor is attached to the inside of the bony surface of the skull. A skin incision is made behind and above the auricle, the next step is to separate the tissue from the bone. Through the mastoid processor, the doctor proceeds to the cochlea, where a very small hole is drilled to allow insertion of the implant. The electrode is wrapped around the cochlea and placed around the auditory nerve endings. In this way, it is possible to stimulate the nerve with an electric current (information is sent from the implant via the nerve to the brain). It is also crucial to fix the internal implant with special sutures.

A dressing and suction drain are placed over the wound to create the right conditions for healing. The dressing and drain are removed after a few days, depending on the speed of wound healing. During this time, the patient stays in the hospital ward. The cochlear implant procedure is performed under anaesthesia, i.e. general anaesthesia. After the operation, in most cases patients are on painkillers, which are administered orally.