According to the World Health Organization more than 5% of the world’s population suffers from disabling hearing loss requiring rehabilitation, which means hearing loss is greater than 35 decibels (dB) in the better hearing ear. For severe hearing problems or cases of total deafness, whether unilateral or bilateral, there is the option of a cochlear implant, which helps restore the flow of auditory information. On this occasion, Dr. Jorge Centeno, otorhinolaryngologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, explains this procedure that is carried out in our institution.

What is the cochlear implant?

It is a complex high-tech electronic device that replaces the function of the cochlea allowing hearing. This implant has two parts, an external one placed behind the ear and an internal one placed in the cochlea through surgery.

Who can undergo this surgery?

People with severe congenital or acquired deafness. It is important to take into account that deafness should not exceed 5 to 10 years, depending on the age group, so that the prognosis is the most appropriate. On the other hand, it is not recommended to perform this procedure in people with any significant injury to the auditory nerve or with uncompensated comorbidities.

How is the surgery carried out?

• It is under general anesthesia
• With the help of an operating microscope, an opening is made behind the ear (mastoid bone) and the inner ear (cochlea) is reached.
• The electrode is then inserted into the cochlea. This electrode is attached to a stimulating receptor (cochlear implant) that is fixed on the mastoid bone under the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
• The surgery lasts an average of 2 to 3 hours, depending on the degree of complexity of the morphology of the ear to be operated on.

Recovery process

The patient is discharged the day after the intervention and must keep relative rest to avoid any damage to the operated area. On the other hand, post-surgery pain is very well managed; however, vertigo, tinnitus, among others, may occur; these are symptoms go away quickly. Severe complications are usually very rare.

Dr. Jorge Centeno
Otorhinolaryngologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma