Learning to listen with a Cochlear Implant
CHILDREN
Concerns and Questions
When children are admitted to the ward, there should be a qualified nurse who is experienced in dealing with deaf children. The nurse will have skills in sign language, in order to facilitate communication. The Cochlear Implant Team Keyworker will also be available to help out with any last minute worries or queries.
The Operation
The surgery itself can take two to four hours. Firstly, the surgeon makes an incision around the ear. The hair may be shaved a little around this site to keep the area very clean, this is usually done after you have gone to sleep for the operation. The surgeon then creates a pathway through the bone to the middle ear. The entrance to the cochlea can then be seen. The bone behind the ear is hollowed out to make a "bed" for the receiver/ stimulator package so that it does not make much of a "bump". The electrode array is then very gently threaded into the cochlea with the aim of inserting as many electrodes as possible. When all this has been done, the implant may be tested by the physicist/ audiologist to make sure it is working well, and if possible record some muscle or nerve responses. If everything is satisfactory, the surgeon then stitches up the wound, and a large bandage is applied around the head. By the second day, many children have recovered from the effects of the anaesthetic, and are often running around the ward!
Risks
The risks of the operation are as follows:
- Possible infections, requiring treatment with antibiotics.
- The same risks as any childhood operation that involves an anaesthetic.
- Possible damage to the facial nerve, which could cause weakness (facial palsy) on that side.
- Temporary dizziness or allergic reactions to drugs used.
- The electrode array cannot be fully inserted due to a blockage (although the C.T. scan will usually tell us in advance whether or not to expect this).
- Possible failure of the implant itself, at time of surgery, or later on.
- Numbness in the area of the scar
- A change in taste sensation
- Risk of meningitis (rare but possible complication).
Long term effects
The long term effects of electrical stimulation are not known. The amount of electricity involved, however, is minimal and during the last 15 years in which people have used cochlear implants there have been no indications of long term damage.
Other information
All of the above are unlikely to happen, however do ask your Consultant should you have any concerns.
The British Cochlear Implant Group (BCIG) has, in collaboration with the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) produced:
Quality Standards in Paediatric Audiology: Cochlear Implants for Children.
This document is also available by post for £6.00 from:
NDCS,
15, Dufferin Street,
London,
EC1Y 8UR
Telephone: 0207 490 8656 (Voice and Text)
Fax: 0207 251 5020