How is it performed?

• Before the start of the procedure, the patient is given general anaesthesia.
• The surgeon makes a cut behind the ear and opens the mastoid bone.
• The surgeon identifies the facial nerves and creates an opening between them to access the cochlea, which is then opened.
• The cochlear implant’s electrodes are inserted into the cochlea.
• The surgeon places an electronic device called the receiver under the skin behind the ear, securing it to the skull in this area, and the incision is then closed.
• The patient is shifted to the recovery room post the procedure for observation.
• About four to six weeks after the surgery, the external parts of the cochlear implant are added. These include a microphone and speech processor.
• At this time, the speech processor is programmed and activated, which causes the internal device to stimulate the cochlear nerve in response to sounds.
• The patient may need to return for further fine-tuning over the next few months.