Cochlear Implant Lawyer

From the thousands of hours we have spent with our cochlear implant clients, we understand that experiencing a failure of one of these devices is a very challenging time - both physically and financially.

What is a Cochlear Implant?

The purpose of an implant is not to restore normal hearing. The device presents sound in the environment in a useful way and makes speech more accessible to people who experience deafness or are hard of hearing. People who experience deafness or are hard of hearing can get a sense of sound through the small and complex electronic device.

Two parts of the implant are placed under the skin, one behind the ear and one under the skin.

Cochlear Implants Have 4 Parts:

1. Microphone - Picks up sound.
2. Speech Processor - Selects and arranges sounds picked up by the microphone.
3. Transmitter & Receiver/Stimulator - Receives signals and converts them into electric impulses.
4. Electrode Array - Collects impulses and sends them to different regions of the auditory nerve.

Surgical Process

The surgical process of cochlear implants involves several steps and requires careful planning and precision. Here is an overview of the typical procedure:

Pre-Surgical Preparation

• Evaluation: Candidates undergo a thorough evaluation, including hearing tests, imaging scans (CT or MRI), and a medical examination to ensure they are suitable for the implant.
• Counseling: Patients and their families receive counseling about the benefits, risks, and expectations of the surgery and post-operative rehabilitation.

The Surgical Procedure

• Anesthesia: The patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure they are unconscious and pain-free during the procedure.
• Incision: The surgeon makes an incision behind the ear to access the mastoid bone.
• Mastoidectomy: A small portion of the mastoid bone is drilled away to create a pathway to the inner ear.
• Cochleostomy: A tiny hole is made in the cochlea to insert the electrode array. Alternatively, the electrode array may be inserted through the round window of the cochlea.
• Electrode Insertion: The electrode array is carefully threaded into the cochlea. This array stimulates the auditory nerve fibers to transmit sound signals to the brain.
• Internal Device Placement: The internal receiver-stimulator, which is connected to the electrode array, is secured in a small pocket created in the skull bone.
• Testing: Before closing the incision, the surgeon tests the device to ensure it is functioning properly.
• Closing the Incision: The incision is closed with sutures, and a bandage is applied to protect the surgical site.

Post-Surgical Care

• Recovery: Patients are usually discharged the same day or after an overnight stay, depending on their individual recovery.
• Healing: The surgical site needs time to heal, typically a few weeks, before the external components of the cochlear implant can be fitted.
• Initial Activation: Once the surgical site has healed, the external speech processor is fitted and activated. Audiologists program the device, tailoring the settings to the patient's needs.
• Rehabilitation: Patients undergo auditory rehabilitation, including therapy and training, to learn how to interpret the sounds from the implant.

Follow-Up

• Regular Check-Ups: Patients have regular follow-up appointments to monitor the implant’s performance and make necessary adjustments.
• Mapping Sessions: The programming (mapping) of the cochlear implant may be adjusted periodically to optimize sound quality and performance.