Cochlear Implant Surgery
A cochlear implant surgery procedure is a long-term commitment. Your child will need to undergo weekly auditory rehabilitation. These sessions should be provided by specialists in hearing and spoken language. Your child’s hearing implant should be custom-made for him or her. You and your family must remain committed to the process until it is successful. If you do not want your child to continue receiving the procedure, it is important to choose another option.
A cochlear implant procedure in children is an outpatient procedure. Your child will recover from the surgery and will need time to heal. The surgery will last four to six weeks. A speech processor and microphone will be placed on the outside of the ear. These external parts will stimulate the cochlea’s nerve and enable your child to hear speech and understand language. If your child has a hearing problem, the implant will be installed in the cochlea.
Outpatient Procedure or as an Inpatient Procedure
The procedure may be performed as an outpatient procedure or as an inpatient procedure. Your child will be placed under general anesthesia. The doctor will open up the cochlea and place the electronic device. Once the implant is in place, he or she will close the incisions. The child will be fitted with a removable pressure dressing to protect the area from infection. Once the surgery is completed, your child will be evaluated by a speech-language pathologist and an audiologist.
Your child will be put under general anesthesia, which will make the procedure more comfortable. During the procedure, your child will sleep through procedure. Before starting the procedure verify the Cochlear Implant Cost In Pakistan. The surgeon will place the cochlea implant in the child’s ear and thread the electrodes into the spirals inside the cochlea. Stitches will secure the implant into place. Your child will need strong family support during the initial stages of the surgery. Your child’s parents will play an important role in the development of speech and language. The therapists will provide education and training to parents and caregivers to help your child.
Perform a Physical Evaluation
Your child will receive a hearing test to determine whether the implant is right for your child. The surgeon will also perform a physical evaluation. He or she may need to take X-rays and blood tests. He or she will also evaluate your child’s speech and language abilities. They will guide you through the decision-making process. Your child will receive a cochlear implant under general anesthesia. The entire procedure takes two to three hours and the device will need a few weeks to heal.
During the surgery, the surgeon will shave the hair in the area around the ear where the implant will be placed. Next, a small hole will be made in the bone behind the ear. The surgeon will place the electrode array into the cochlea. The area will be stitched to prevent the implant from falling out of the ear. It will take several weeks for the patient to recover completely.
Time Period of Surgery
After the cochlear implant surgery, your child will need to stay in the hospital for three to six weeks. Your child may experience a sore throat or a strange taste for a few days after the procedure. You will not be able to drive or participate in strenuous activities until the incision has healed. Once the incision is healed, your child should be able to return to school. The incision will be closed by itself in three to four weeks.
A team consisting of a cochlear implant surgeon, an audiologist, speech/language pathologist, and a social worker will evaluate your child’s hearing. Your team will be able to determine the best course of action for your child. This team will monitor your child’s progress and make recommendations based on the results of their evaluation. A team of professionals will be able to help your child recover after the surgery.
General Anesthesia
The procedure is done with general anesthesia. Your child will be asleep for the entire procedure. Your doctor will place the implant in your child’s cochlea. The cochlea has many spirals and the implant will be placed in between them. The electrode will connect to your child’s cochlea. A cochlear implant will improve your child’s hearing. Your doctor will also teach you how to care for your child.