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Discharge Instructions for Cochlear Implants

A receiver was implanted in the skin behind your ear. A wire leading from the receiver to an electrode array was passed into the cochlea. The implant will send signals to the inner ear. The signals will come from an outer device that will be attached later.

It will take about 4 to 6 weeks for the area to heal. Self care and medicine can help.

Steps to Take

Self Care

You will have some swelling in the area. You may also have some dizziness. Avoid risky activity until it passes, such as driving or using heavy equipment. Take steps to prevent falls, such as using handrails.

To lower the risk of infection:

  • Keep the incision clean and dry.
  • Wash your hands before and after changing the bandages.
  • Do not shower, bathe, or soak in water until the doctor says it is safe.

Activity

You can slowly return to normal activity. You can drive and return to work when the doctor says it is okay.

Medications

Medicine may be given to ease pain.

When taking medicine:

  • Take your medicine as advised. Do not change the amount or schedule.
  • Be aware of the side effects of your medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any.
  • Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medicine.
  • Do not share your prescription medicine.
  • Medicines can be harmful when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one, including over the counter products and supplements.

Other Steps That May Help

Cochlear implants can raise the risk of certain infections, such as meningitis. Be sure to get any vaccinations advised by your care team.

Follow-up

Your doctor will check on the site within a week of surgery. Stitches or staples will also need to be removed.

The outer piece will be fit in about 4 to 6 weeks. During the months that follow, you will have:

  • Training on how to use the implants
  • Adjustments to the device
  • Hearing tests

Problems to Look Out For

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Pain that you cannot control with medicine
  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscles in your face that twitch or do not move
  • Redness, swelling, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the incision
  • Cough or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Audiology
http://www.audiology.org

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca

Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation
http://www.ciafonline.org

REFERENCES:

Cochlear implant health. American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation website. Available at: https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/cochlear-implant-health. Accessed June 3, 2021.

Cochlear implants. Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/CochlearImplants/default.htm. Accessed June 3, 2021.

Immunizations in children and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/prevention/immunizations-in-children-and-adolescents. Accessed June 3, 2021.

Pain management: an overview. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: https://www.ebscohost.com/nursing/products/nursing-reference-center. Accessed June 3, 2021.

Last reviewed March 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD