Cochlear Implant Surgery

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia on all patients. A small amount of hair is shaved behind the patient’s ear and a small incision is made.  The mastoid bone is removed and small hole is made in the cochlea prior to insertion of the electrode array.  Following device insertion and prior to closure, the device is tested by an audiologist to confirm proper function of the internal components.  The duration of the surgery is typically 2-3 hours.

The surgery is most often an outpatient surgery, and the patient goes home several hours after surgery.  The dressing on the ear is typically removed 24-48 hours following the surgery.  Pain is minimal and most patients are able to resume their normal activity within a week. The surgeon will see you approximately one week after your surgery and the initial activation of your cochlear implant takes place 4 weeks following surgery.