In Spain there are approximately two million people suffering from hearing loss or hypoacusis. A good diagnosis is essential to offer the best treatment. In case of profound or complete bilateral deafness, a cochlear implant may be indicated, which, unlike a hearing aid, requires an operation and is only indicated for those patients who do not benefit from hearing aids due to the depth of their deafness.
What is a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants are electronic devices composed of an internal part that is placed under the skin and an external part that consists of a coil with a signal processor. In this internal part is the electrode-carrying guide that stimulates the cochlear nerve. The external part is responsible for transmitting the radiofrequency waves to the internal implant.
In what type of patients is it indicated?
Its main indication is in those people who are profoundly deaf, even if congenital, so early detection is important to prevent the child, if detected late as deaf, from not benefiting from an implant, from becoming deaf and dumb, and from moving to the world of sign language. It is also indicated for postlocutionally deaf people or those who have acquired a language and have lost it.
Benefits of the cochlear implant
The benefits for the patient are to obtain sound sensation in a deaf person and to be able to hear and identify words and phrases. In addition, it has been proven that advantages are obtained in the reduction of tinnitus, that is, the presence of a continuous buzzing or beeping sound.
Care after implantation
After the operation, the patient must take care of the surgical wound behind the ear. In addition, the cochlear implant must be covered to protect it from infections and the ENT specialist will provide antibiotics.
Other recommendations are to avoid bumps in the area and to avoid having a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the head, without first following a series of very strict recommendations.
Risks in the surgical intervention
Cochlear implant implantation surgery is an intervention that involves risks, like any type of intervention. It should be noted that the risks of suffering complications are low, although facial paralysis, cerebrospinal fluid fistulas, surgical wound infections or implant extrusion may occur.
Therefore, the cochlear implant has allowed the deaf from birth to develop oral language and hearing. It has also been a great opportunity for those who after an infection or trauma have suffered deafness, reducing the progress of their language. The latter, thanks to this type of implants, have been able to recover it.