An ENT surgeon, specialising in cochlear implants, makes a 4-6 cm incision behind the ear and then opens the mastoid bone leading to the middle ear. They then make an opening in or near the round window of the cochlea, inserting the implant electrode array into the cochlea. The electronic portion of the device attached to the electrode array is placed under the skin behind the ear. The incision is then closed, a head dressing is applied, and you are taken to your room for recovery and an overnight stay.

Cochlear implant surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes approximately 1 to 3 hours, with an overnight stay in the hospital. The procedure is considered a routine surgery with low risk.

Public Health System

This provides coverage for one cochlear implant, subject to meeting certain funding criteria.

Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)

For hearing loss related to an injury, ACC may fund two cochlear implants if clinically needed.

Private health insurance

Dependent on the policy you have in place, varying components may be covered. Please check with your provider or insurance broker.

Personal Funding

Some adults resort to family support, crowdfunding platforms like Givealittle, or other fundraising efforts to manage the costs associated with cochlear implants.

For the first few months after your Cochlear system has been switched on, you’ll be busy listening and interpreting a world of new sounds around you. When you’re ready to start, there are steps you can take to improve your ability to use the phone.

Newer models of Cochlear Implants integrate blue tooth technology which connects with your smartphone, making hearing and talking on the phone easier than previous models. For a comprehensive how-to guide, click here.

For more advice on making your phone use more successful, contact your hearing professional

Will I be able to use the phone?

Whilst some recipients enjoy immediate success on the phone, it takes time and practice for others.

How can I get the best results from my phone use?

Use a smartphone and audio accessories

Use your Cochlear Phone Clip to make talking on the phone easier. You can even leave your phone in your pocket or bag and enjoy the convenience and safety of hands-free calling. It’s small and lightweight, so you can clip it to your clothing and take it wherever you go. With the phone clip you can:
Cochlear Phone Clip

• Stream phone calls directly to your sound processor
• Listen to music or videos from your smartphone or tablet
• Listen to GPS navigation in your car
• Use your smartphone's voice command
• Compose text messages

What should I look for when choosing a phone?

All recipients have a personal preference, and what works for one may not necessarily work for another. If possible, try different models before making a selection.

For Cochlear Nucleus devices, here is a comprehensive guide to choosing a smartphone to go with your device.

Some features you might want to look for when purchasing a home phone include;

• volume control
• caller ID
• an integrated answering machine
• a high-quality speakerphone

How can I practice my phone skills?

Practicing auditory-only skills seems to help most recipients. Your hearing professional can provide the best techniques for your situation. Here are some they might suggest:

• Repeat sentence and word lists with family or friends:
• Have someone read you a sentence or word, and then repeat it back to them.
• Practice taking messages from other family members.
• Start off with familiar names, phone numbers, and addresses, or favourite foods, colours, and activities.
• Move onto more detailed messages once you’ve built up your confidence.
• Read along with audiobooks and recordings. This gives you an opportunity to listen to something over and over, as well as practice reading along. You’ll find that libraries are usually a good place to source audiobooks.
• Listen to phone service messages. Try listening to recorded messages on the phone, such as a weather or time service. These services are often free.

For swimming, you will need to remove the external component when you swim, much like you would have to remove a hearing aid. The internal part of the cochlear implant is not affected by water. However, you can swim with your processor on if you use the Aqua Kit Accessory in any water-based activity to a depth of 4 metres. It is a single-use plastic enclosure that completely seals in your processing unit, cable, and coil. It is designed for use with rechargeable batteries only. You can use the  in saltwater, a soapy bath/shower, chlorinated pools—anything that is safe for skin contact.

For scuba divers, the internal implant is validated to withstand pressure at a depth of 25 metres (82 feet) underwater, but use of the Aqua Accessory is not recommended for Scuba diving as depths may exceed 4 metres. It is recommended that you check with your surgeon or clinician before participating in a dive, because there may be other medical conditions that you will need to consider.

For contact sports,scuba you should wear a helmet to protect your equipment. Boxing and other aggressive sports are discouraged.

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The magnetic field in MRI scanners exerts force on any magnetic materials in the vicinity. This can be an issue for people with some cochlear implants, particularly those with a fixed magnet.

Cochlear Nucleus Profile™ Plus, the latest implant offering, provides access to MRI at 1.5 T and 3.0 T with magnet in place. The Profile and CI24RE implants are approved for MRI conditional with magnet surgically removed. MRI access is available for the majority of Nucleus implant recipients, but the specific conditions and access differ based on implant type.

For a comprehensive Cochlear Ltd MRI Guideline, click here.

Footnotes

MRI compatibility varies by country depending on regulatory approvals in each country. Please check the MRI guidance provided in your country by contacting your local cochlear representative or clinic before proceeding with an MRI scan.