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.
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:
You can slowly return to normal activity. You can drive and return to work when the doctor says it is okay.
Medicine may be given to ease pain.
When taking medicine:
Cochlear implants can raise the risk of certain infections, such as meningitis. Be sure to get any vaccinations advised by your care team.
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:
Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
American Academy of Audiology
http://www.audiology.org
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov
About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation
http://www.ciafonline.org
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