
Cochlear implant surgery is a routine procedure. Still, it is important to be prepared and know what to expect. Better understanding the journey ahead of you will give you greater confidence in your choice. Cochlear implants can help you to hear when your hearing aids are no longer enough. Knowing the steps to take to start your Cochlear implant journey will put you on track to be able to hear again.
Let’s go through the Cochlear implant preparation and procedures together!
Cochlear implant surgery allows patients suffering from certain types of hearing loss and deafness to hear again. But the implant doesn’t replace normal hearing. After the operation, patients will need the appropriate training to learn how to recognise sounds. Cochlear implants are suitable for people who have profound hearing loss, with working hearing nerves. In some cases, they will previously have tested hearing aids – but without success.
Continue here to find out how Cochlear implants work.
Attune Hearing is the only QIP accredited hearing healthcare provider in Australia. We have an interdisciplinary team of Ear, Nose and Throat surgeons, audiologists and psychologists who work collaboratively to maximise the outcome of every patient. We take great pride in our long-standing Cochlear Implant Program. It includes a very comprehensive post-implant care program, including periodic checks of the implant site, auditory and speech training and counselling to support you as you adjust to your new implants.
Our Cochlear Implant Program is broken down into six phases.
Often a conversation with your GP or audiologist is the first step on a journey to hear better. Chat with them about your hearing difficulties. They can refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT).
The ENT specialist has to determine your medical suitability for implant surgery. You’ll meet with the specialist to discuss how you hear and the effect that your hearing loss has on your life. The ENT will explain the Cochlear implant surgery, order any tests that they need to be able to assess you as a candidate, and send you to see an Attune Hearing implant audiologist.
The implant audiologist will give you more information about what you can expect to hear with a Cochlear implant, show you all the implant devices and speech processor options, how to wear them, and what you need to do after the surgery to get a good outcome to hear with a Cochlear implant.
As part of the Attune Cochlear program, you will receive an information pack that contains a number of resources, including a patient questionnaire.
At your next visit, the Attune implant audiologist will perform an in-depth diagnostic hearing assessment, gather all necessary information about your lifestyle and hearing history. They will take you through the patient journey step-by-step to make sure you fully understand the process.
In this stage you will generally have a CT scan of the ears and a balance function test, this will help to see if you have an increased risk of dizziness post-implant. The implant audiologist will also do a speech test with you wearing your hearing aids – this will show how much or how little you can hear with your current hearing aids.
This is a good opportunity to connect with another implant recipient. It is recommended to meet and talk with someone who already has a Cochlear implant. It’s a great time to ask some of your burning questions and a chance to get some peace of mind.
We want you to hear with your Cochlear implant for the rest of your life. As part of the preparation, you will usually have your individual needs and expectations assessed by a psychologist. This will help your audiologist prepare a tailor-made post-implant training plan and greatly increases the chances of implant success.
Your audiologist will work with you to establish realistic goals and timeframes for what you can expect from your Cochlear implant. If you have any further questions and concerns about the procedure itself or what to expect post-op, feel free to ask! We want you to go into the surgery feeling comfortable and well-prepared. If you are approved for surgery and you decide to proceed, your surgeon will schedule the surgery.
About two weeks after surgery, it’s time to activate your implants. Your audiologist will do this during a post-op appointment. They will program the speech processor to meet your needs and provide you with the support and encouragement to help you adjust to hearing with Cochlear implants.
There is a wide range of funding options available for Cochlear implant recipients in Australia. We advise you to speak with your audiologist to determine which option is right for you.
Knowing how hard it is for you to hear in daily life and how much you struggle to enjoy family conversations at home – what about taking that first step? Talk to your GP or audiologist and get the ball rolling!
Cochlear implant preparation and procedures is a journey of 1:1 conversations, easy tests and checks with caring and understanding hearing professionals who will support you each step of the way. Take the first step today and hear for a lifetime.
Alternatively, join our implant specialists for an informal information session. This is the perfect opportunity for you to ask questions, meet other patients with Cochlear implants and discover what life with an implant could be like.
Give us a call or book your appointment online today!