Cochlear Implants Referral Leaflet

Thinking about a Cochlear implant?

This leaflet provides information for patients who are considering a cochlear implant.

We have answered some of the more frequently asked questions about cochlear implants. If you go ahead with an assessment, you will be able to ask as many questions as needed.

What is a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that can help a severe to profoundly hearing impaired person gain access to everyday sounds and the sound of speech.

It consists of two parts:

An implant is placed under the skin behind the ear, and into the cochlear. The implant consists of an electronic package, a magnet and an electrode array. The implant delivers electrical impulses through the electrode array in the cochlea and so stimulates the hearing nerve.

An external speech processor worn behind the ear connects to the implant via a magnet on the head. As with a hearing aid, the processor microphones detect the sound, which is digitally processed. This is then sent wirelessly through the skin to the internal implant package.

For more information on how hearing works, please visit our 'How hearing works' webpage.

Is there an age limit to having a cochlear implant?

No. We will consider patients of any age for a cochlear implant.

Can I bring somebody with me to my assessment appointment?

Yes. It is useful to bring a family member of close friend with you for support if needed.

How long does the surgery take?

Cochlear implant surgery usually takes between 1 and 1.5 hours and is normally done under general anaesthetic. You can usually go home the same day. Usually, you can resume light activities after 24-48 hours, and normal activities after two weeks.

Which ear will be implanted?

Adults typically receive one cochlear implant. There are several factors, which influence the recommended ear and device choice including: handedness, cause and duration of deafness, results of CT scan, hearing in the other ear, surgical risk, balance function, tinnitus and patient choice. The team will discuss ear choice with each patient. We will recommend the ear likely to give the greatest benefit and lowest risk. This means we sometimes recommend implanting the better hearing ear.

What will I hear with a cochlear implant?

Cochlear implants do not give you normal hearing and outcomes are dependent on the level, cause and duration of deafness. All implant users have different experiences of sound through their cochlear implants, therefore it is difficult to predict the extent of benefit an individual may achieve.

During the early stages of activation some patients hear beeps and others describe speech as sounding tinny or like a cartoon character. With time, the brain learns to link the new electrical signal with visual cues and sound memories, so the sound becomes more meaningful.

Having a cochlear implant requires motivation and you will need to complete regular listening practice as guided by your rehabilitationist.

Will a cochlear implant help me to hear in background noise?

Patients still have difficulty in this listening situation. Compared to hearing aids, a cochlear implant may help you to hear better in background noise.

Will I be able to use the phone or listen to music with a cochlear implant?

Whilst some patients can achieve this with a cochlear implant, many still struggle. Your rehabilitationist we go through expectations in detail with you at your assessment.

If I have a cochlear implant and don’t like it, can I go back to my hearing aids?

No. A cochlear implant gives you access to sound in a different way so you would not be able use the hearing aid on the implanted side. If you wear two hearing aids, you can still use your hearing aid in the non-implanted ear.

How many appointments will there be?

The initial assessment consists of 3 to 4 appointments including meeting the surgeon. After the cochlear implant surgery you will have approximately 6 appointments in the first year.

What are the risks of cochlear implant surgery?

All operations carry risks and the ENT surgeon will discuss these in detail. Please note that all the risks shown are small and we take steps to minimise these.

Possible risks include:

• General risks associated with having a general anaesthetic
• Loss of any residual hearing in operated ear
• Dizziness
• New tinnitus or worsening of existing tinnitus (<5%)
• Possible injury to facial nerve which can affect taste and/or facial muscle control (1 in 1000)

We encourage patients to visit the websites listed below, which have a lot of information available.

Useful websites

CUH - Emmeline Centre for Hearing Implants

British Cochlear Implant Group (opens in a new tab)

National Cochlear Implant Users Association (opens in a new tab)

Here at the Emmeline Centre we fit cochlear implants made by 3 manufacturers as listed below:

Cochlear Implant Manufacturers

• Cochlear UK (opens in a new tab)
• Advanced Bionics (opens in a new tab)
• Med-El (opens in a new tab)