What is recovery like after cochlear implant surgery?

The incision will leave a scar that will fade with time. The doctor will not turn on, or activate, the implant until the incision has healed. This is in about 3 to 6 weeks. Most people are able to return to work 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.

Is cochlear implant major surgery?

The cochlear implant procedure is usually considered a minimally invasive surgery. A cochlear implant is a medical device that can partially restore hearing. The implant directly stimulates the auditory nerve to appreciate the sense of sound.

How painful is cochlear implant surgery?

NORMAL POST OP COURSE: In general, Cochlear implantation is a very safe surgery with limited post-operative pain and few complications. Pain at the surgical site is usually temporary. Stiffness of the jaw is also common. It is safe to sleep on the side of your operative ear.

How long do you stay in the hospital after a cochlear implant?

Following surgery you can expect to stay in hospital for 1 to 2 days. Occasionally a longer stay may be required. You will not be discharged from hospital until you are well enough to go home. An X-ray is usually taken the day after your surgery to check the position of the implant.

Can you sleep with a cochlear implant?

Can I sleep with a cochlear implant on? No. The implant is likely to come off during sleep, and it could get damaged. It is recommended that you remove the device prior to going to bed.

Do cochlear implants sound like normal hearing?

Cochlear implants do not play sound to the wearer, and so they can be useful even if that person has little or no ability to hear sound. A microphone that is worn on the back of the ear detects sounds in the surrounding environment and converts them into electrical signals.

Is cochlear implant a disability?

Cochlear implantation is considered a disability for one full year after surgery. After the year has passed, you can still qualify for disability benefits if you have a word recognition score of 60% or less using the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT).

Can you hear clearly with a cochlear implant?

Cochlear implants work by converting sounds into electrical signals, which are sent to the nerves surrounding the cochlea and interpreted by the brain as sound. Cochlear implants do not play sound to the wearer, and so they can be useful even if that person has little or no ability to hear sound.