Description

Familiarity with Treatment

Bilateral cochlear implant surgery involves the placement of cochlear implants in both ears. This procedure is typically performed to improve sound localization and speech understanding in noisy environments for individuals with severe hearing loss in both ears.

Procedure

The surgical procedure for bilateral cochlear implantation involves the placement of cochlear implants in both ears. The specific steps of the surgery are similar to those of standard cochlear implant surgery, with the placement of the internal devices and electrode arrays into each cochlea. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the implants are secured in place behind each ear.

Who is it Suitable For?

Bilateral cochlear implant surgery is suitable for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss in both ears who have not benefited from powerful hearing aids and have not improved their oral communication skills through specific speech therapy. It is commonly performed in both children and adults.

Who is it Not Suitable For?

Bilateral cochlear implant surgery may not be suitable for individuals with medical conditions that increase the risks associated with surgery, such as active ear infections or bleeding disorders. Additionally, a comprehensive evaluation by a medical professional specializing in cochlear implants is necessary to determine the suitability of the surgery for an individual.

Advantages

• Improved Sound Localization: Bilateral cochlear implants can improve an individual’s ability to locate the source of sounds, which is particularly beneficial in noisy environments.
• Enhanced Speech Understanding: Having cochlear implants in both ears can improve speech understanding and communication skills, especially in challenging listening situations.
• Balanced Hearing: Bilateral cochlear implants can provide a more balanced and natural hearing experience, contributing to improved overall quality of life.

Complications

Complications associated with bilateral cochlear implant surgery are generally rare but can include:

• Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur during or after surgery.
• Infection: Infection at the surgical sites or around the implants can occur, although it is uncommon.
• Device Malfunction: Rarely, the cochlear implant devices may experience technical issues or failure.
• Tinnitus: Some individuals may experience ringing or other abnormal sounds in the ears after surgery.
• Dizziness: Temporary dizziness or imbalance may occur but typically resolves within a few days or weeks.

Preoperative Care

Preoperative care for bilateral cochlear implant surgery involves a comprehensive evaluation by a medical professional specializing in cochlear implants. This evaluation may include a complete medical history and physical examination, audiologic examinations, CT and MRI scans to evaluate the cochleas and auditory nerves, psychological tests, speech evaluation, and enrollment in an oral education program.

Postoperative Care

Following bilateral cochlear implant surgery, individuals will require postoperative care, which may include:

• Activation and Programming: After a healing period, the implants will be activated, and the individual will undergo programming sessions to optimize sound perception and speech understanding with bilateral input.
• Rehabilitation and Auditory Training: Rehabilitation and auditory training programs are typically recommended to help individuals adapt to bilateral cochlear implants and develop listening and communication skills with binaural hearing.
• Regular Follow-up: Regular follow-up appointments with the cochlear implant team are important to monitor progress, make adjustments to the programming, and address any concerns or issues that may arise.