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Cochlear Implant Surgery (Detailed)

Surgical placement of an electronic device that bypasses damaged inner ear hair cells to directly stimulate the auditory nerve, restoring sound perception in severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is Cochlear Implant Surgery (Detailed)?

Cochlear implantation is a multi-channel electronic prosthesis surgically inserted to restore hearing in adults and children with bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss who derive limited benefit from conventional hearing aids.

The device has two parts: an internal receiver-stimulator with electrode array placed via mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy into the scala tympani, and an external sound processor worn behind the ear that captures sound and transmits coded signals through the skin.

Surgery typically lasts 2-3 hours under general anesthesia. The activation (mapping) is performed 2-4 weeks postoperatively, followed by 6-12 months of intensive auditory-verbal rehabilitation for optimal speech perception outcomes.

Symptoms

Bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (>70 dB HL)
Limited benefit from optimally fitted hearing aids (CNC word score <50%)
Difficulty understanding speech even with amplification
Speech delay or stagnation in pediatric candidates
Social isolation due to hearing loss
Tinnitus that may improve after implantation
Hearing loss affecting education, employment, or quality of life

Risk Factors

Congenital genetic deafness (GJB2/Connexin 26 mutations)
Meningitis-related hearing loss (urgent implantation due to cochlear ossification risk)
Ototoxic medication exposure (aminoglycosides, cisplatin)
Acoustic trauma or prolonged noise exposure
Age-related presbycusis with progressive deterioration
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss without recovery
Inner ear malformations (Mondini, enlarged vestibular aqueduct)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Bilateral hearing aids no longer providing adequate speech understanding
  • Child not developing age-appropriate speech and language
  • Recent meningitis with hearing loss (urgent evaluation)
  • Sudden bilateral hearing loss
  • Progressive deterioration despite hearing aid optimization
  • Difficulty using telephone or following conversation in groups
  • Audiologist or otolaryngologist recommends cochlear implant evaluation

Treatment Methods

01
Comprehensive audiological evaluation (pure tone, speech audiometry, aided thresholds)
02
High-resolution CT and MRI of temporal bone to assess cochlear anatomy
03
Vestibular and balance assessment
04
Psychological evaluation and family counseling for candidacy
05
Surgical implantation under general anesthesia (2-3 hours)
06
Activation (mapping) 2-4 weeks postoperatively with audiologist
07
Long-term auditory-verbal rehabilitation and follow-up mapping sessions

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.