Thank you for joining us for our live, interactive, webinar where we discussed cochlear implant surgery and the impact of COVID-19 with ENT Surgeon, Bill Baber.

You can watch ENT Surgeon, Bill Baber’s webinar about cochlear implant surgery below. You can download a copy of his presentation here.

COCHLEAR IMPLANT SURGERY

Some people want to know what’s involved in a cochlear implant surgery, warts and all, but it’s not for everyone. In this video, ENT surgeon Bill Baber walks us through CI recipient, Richard Milne’s surgery.

WARNING: GRAPHIC SURGICAL CONTENT

SOME ADDITIONAL Q&A ABOUT COCHLEAR IMPLANT SURGERY

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF SURGERY?
Risks from Cochlear implant surgery are the same or lower than other common ear surgeries. In rare instances the following may occur:

·      Bleeding or swelling at the incision site
·      Infection in the area of the implant
·      Ringing (tinnitus) in the implanted ear
·      Dizziness or vertigo (typically resolves a few days after surgery)
·      Change in taste/dry mouth (typically resolves within a few weeks or months)
·      Numbness around the incision site
·      Injury to the facial nerve (extraordinarily rare)

HOW PAINFUL IS COCHLEAR IMPLANT SURGERY?Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, but generally the pain is mild-to-moderate, lasting a few days and can be controlled with paracetamol.

HOW LONG AFTER SURGERY BEFORE I CAN EXERCISE AND DO SPORT?It is recommended to wait 1-2 weeks following surgery before starting back to your exercise routine, with a 4-6 week wait before starting back into water-based sports.

ABOUT BILL BABER

Bill is an ear, nose and throat surgeon with a special interest in ear surgery. Along with Ron Goodey, Bill played and integral part in the establishment of New Zealand’s first Cochlear Implant programme. Working with a team of dedicated professionals to restore or develop the sense of hearing has easily made this the highlight of Bill’s career in ENT Surgery.