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Considering Cochlear Implant Surgery? Read this First!

by Paula Rosenthal, J.D.

Published here with the generous permission of the author

The decision to undergo cochlear implant surgery to increase access to sounds and possibly to speech has become one of the most important decisions deaf and hard of hearing people and their families can make. Technological advancements and extensive research is showing more positive outcomes in cochlear implant recipients than in previous years. Public awareness and education about cochlear implant surgery has increased, yet people are still feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to proceed. Below, are steps to take when going through this decision-making process.

RESEARCH:

The initial step is to conduct research. Learn what cochlear implants are, how the procedure is done, what the possible outcomes are. Each of the FDA approved manufacturers offer web sites filled with comprehensive information that outline the eligibility requirements, connect you with recipients, provide support and guide you in the decision-making process. Be sure to contact each of them directly to have free information and videos mailed to your home. Here are the links to the sites:

CONNECT:

On the Internet, there are support forums for people who already have a cochlear implant as well as adults and parents who are considering them. Some of these email discussion forums, also called listserves, are listed in the HearingExchange Resource Directory. Many others can be found by visiting http://www.yahoogroups.com and typing the keywords "cochlear implant" in the search box.

HearingExchange offers two interactive resources for people interested in cochlear implants. The first is the message boards area that offers five separate forums, a general area, a forum for each FDA approved brand and a forum for parents of children with cochlear implants. The message boards can be accessed at this page: http://www.hearingexchange.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi. Registration is required to read and post on the boards, however it is free and email addresses are kept confidential. There are over 1,800 registered members on the boards.

The second helpful resource is the Cochlear Implant Chat at HearingExchange. A live, one hour chat is offered on Wednesday evenings at 9 pm Eastern Time. Moderated by a cochlear implant recipient and also by a parent of two children with cochlear implants, the HearingExchange chat offers information and support for people interested in all brands of cochlear implants. To access the chat, visit this link and login: http://www.hearingexchange.com/chat.html. Then double-click on the Cochlear Implant room. The chat rooms are all available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

DETERMINE CANDIDACY:

After conducting extensive research by visiting the manufacturers' web sites, gathering information and participating in online support groups, the next step is to visit a cochlear implant center. Hearing and speech perception tests will be conducted to determine candidacy for the procedure. While many do, not all clinics implant each of the devices. Each company offers a "find a clinic" page on their site.

To find a clinic that implants Cochlear Corporation's Nucleus devices, visit this page: http://www.cochlear.com/Community/find_clinic_search.asp

Advanced Bionics has a page to locate cochlear implant centers that implant the Clarion device in the United States and Canada here: http://www.bionicear.com/clinics/clinics.html

Med El offers a link to cochlear implant centers for their device at this page: http://www.medel.com/welcome/medel_us.html. Click on "CI Centers" and use the map or click on your country in the drop down box.

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

After you or your child are deemed a candidate for a cochlear implant, you can schedule an appointment with one of the surgeons located at or affiliated with the clinic. The doctor will do an examination of the ears and take a medical history. It is advisable to bring a list of questions to this visit. Below is a list of sample questions you may print out and bring.

What are the possible side effects of the surgery?
What kinds of after effects can be expected? How long are they generally present?
What type of pain relief will be given? (in the hospital and for home) What type of closure do you perform? (staples, dissolvable sutures, etc.)
How long is the hospital stay? (same day surgery or overnight stay) How do I care for the incision site? Are there ointments, hydrogen peroxide or other items I should buy in advance?
Are there activities I should refrain from doing?
How do I determine when it is safe to return to work, drive and/or resume normal activities?
What is the expected amount of recovery time?
When should I schedule a follow-up visit? (for removal of the staples and/or assessment of the surgical site)
How many weeks after surgery until the device is activated?
May I arrange for self-donation of blood?

By following these suggestions, you will gain a lot of information and support during this difficult decision-making process. A cochlear implant is not guaranteed to deliver results but has enhanced the quality of life of many people with hearing loss. It takes tremendous determination and hard work, so be sure to do your research well. Making the decision to proceed with cochlear implant surgery is only the beginning!

Paula Rosenthal, J.D. is married and a mother of two young children. She, her husband and daughter are all hearing impaired. Her son has normal hearing. Paula is the founder of http://www.HearingExchange.com, an online community for people with hearing loss, parents and professionals. Paula and her daughter both underwent cochlear implant surgery in 2002. Subscribe to HearingExchange News and any of the other free newsletters and chat reminders available at:

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