A cochlear implant is a very well-known and widely used electronic prosthesis of human hearing. It is inserted in patients of all ages and gives deaf and dumb people the chance to hear. Placing a cochlear implant in children as soon as possible allows faster stimulation of the brain and modulation of the auditory system. Who is responsible for qualifying for a cochlear implant? Who performs the procedure and how does it work?
Cochlear implant - a prosthesis to the human senses
A cochlear implant is an electronic device, quite sophisticated in its design and function, that allows people with profound sensory and neural hearing loss or deafness to hear.
It consists of two parts:
- an external part, the so-called sound processor, which is responsible for processing the environmental sounds heard,
- the inner electrode, which is inserted into the cochlea.
Thanks to the implant, the patient hears sounds of a similar quality to those heard physiologically. It is implanted in patients of all ages.
These include:
- people who have lost their hearing as a result of an injury, accident or post-disease complications,
- very young children and even infants whose hearing problems have been detected during examinations,
- elderly people in their 70s.
A cochlear implant gives you the chance to function normally and efficiently in everyday life. It is especially important for young children as it gives them a chance to function efficiently (play with peers, talk, learn). There is no doubt that it is just as important in adults and older people (it gives them a chance to work normally, travel, learn).
Cochlear implant surgery
Prior to the operation, the patient has a haircut in the behind-the-ear area. It involves reaching the cochlea, placing an electrode there to stimulate the implant and also fixing the internal processor on the bone on the surface of the skull. The procedure is quite complex and is always performed under general anaesthesia. After the operation, the patient is given painkillers (in small doses).
As with any surgical procedure, complications (general and surgical) may arise. Immediately after surgery, various symptoms are very common, the most commonly mentioned being vomiting, nausea and dizziness. The patient remains in hospital until about 7iu days after the operation.
For the implant to work, the external and internal parts must work together.
The first attempts to connect it take place about one month after the operation. The beginnings are usually very difficult. Therefore, support from family and relatives is essential. Also remember not to do anything without the consent and presence of the attending physician. Any problems with the cochlear implant should be reported as soon as possible, without waiting for them to resolve themselves.
