Cochlear implantation is generally a low impact procedure taking approximately 2 hours. You will usually stay in hospital overnight and be discharged the following day. A head bandage is applied for the first night, and removed the following day. ‘Switch On’ will be organised by your Audiologist as soon as practicable and often will be the day after surgery, and a schedule of mapping sessions outlined. In many ways the surgery itself is the easy part of the process, it is the auditory retraining that will require significant time and effort.
The incision behind the ear is covered with Steri-strips, which remain in place for the first three weeks. These can get wet starting from the second day after surgery—just pat them dry or use a hair dryer. Beneath the Steri-strips are dissolvable skin sutures. Your hair will be slicked back with a water-soluble gel, and you can wash your hair from the second day after surgery.
First Post-Op Visit (2-3 Weeks After Surgery):
• Steri-strips will be removed, and the wound healing assessed
Other Important Notes
• Dizziness is expected in the first week, as well as crackling and often strange noises.
• Paracetamol and Nurofen are usually all that’s needed for minor discomfort after the first few days.
• Chewing may be uncomfortable in the first few weeks, due to proximity to the jaw joint.
• Infection is uncommon but redness, discharge or increasing discomfort should be reported.
• Often you will be prescribed 5 days of Prednisone and oral antibiotics and may be asked to start the prednisone 2-3 days prior to the procedure.
Activity and Lifestyle
• Gentle movement is usually encouraged on the same day as surgery.
• Gentle exercise usually can resume during the first week – although the ear may feel a bit “throbby”
• Avoiding heavy lifting, straining, heavy nose blowing and flying is to be avoided for the first 4-6 weeks.
Insuring the External Processor
• It is advisable to have your external processor insured under your home and contents insurance listed under “medical equipment”
• It’s important to confirm the specific details of your policy, including whether the cochlear implant needs to be listed as a specified item and whether there are any exclusions or conditions related to medical equipment.
Future Surgery and MRI Safety
• Avoid Monopolar Diathermy above the shoulder – if there are any problems or questions your surgeon should contact Dr Flanagan to discuss this.
• Before you are discharged from the hospital, you will need to make sure you receive your implant card which will be required at any future MRI appointments. We do not have these in the offices so please be sure that you get this before your discharge or contact the hospital ASAP after your procedure.
• Cochlear implants are conditionally safe for MRI scans – however – please ensure you advise the radiology clinic of the implant when booking any future MRI scans as they will need to change the settings of the MRI machine to avoid injury.
https://www.mrisafety.com/ has further detail on MRI safety.
Cochlear™ – https://www.cochlear.com/au/en/home/ongoing-care-and-support/device-support/mri-considerations
MED-EL – https://www.medel.com/en-au/hearing-solutions/cochlear-implants/mri-and-cochlear-implants#:~:text=They%20have%20a%20revolutionary%20design,field%20of%20an%20MRI%20scan.
Advanced Bionics – https://www.advancedbionics.com/in/en/portals/professionals/mri-safety.html#:~:text=Testing%20has%20demonstrated%20that%20the,result%20in%20severe%20patient%20injury
If you have any questions or problems please call the rooms on 93805380. If it is after hours the best number to call is 83821111, which is St Vincent’s Public Hospital and ask to speak to the ENT registrar.
In an emergency situation please make your way to the closest major hospital