A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that provides a sense of sound to individuals with profound deafness or severe hearing loss. Unlike hearing aids, it bypasses damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve. The device consists of internal components surgically placed under the skin and external parts worn behind the ear. Though intended for long-term use, a cochlear implant can be removed if necessary.
Reasons for Cochlear Implant Removal
Several circumstances may lead to cochlear implant removal, encompassing both medical complications and personal decisions.
Device malfunction or failure is a common reason, where internal or external components cease to function correctly. This can manifest as a sudden or gradual loss of sound perception, or pain at the implant site. Such failures can stem from manufacturing defects, wear and tear, or technical glitches.
Infections are a medical reason for removal, ranging from surgical site infections to device-related infections or meningitis. Skin complications, such as pressure ulcers or issues with the skin covering the implant, can also develop, requiring surgical intervention and potential removal if unresponsive. Trauma, like a head injury, can lead to direct damage to the implant or electrode migration, requiring removal or revision surgery.
Beyond medical issues, individuals may choose to have their cochlear implant removed for non-medical reasons. Personal preference can be a factor, as some recipients may decide the device no longer aligns with their lifestyle or hearing goals. Advancements in technology may also prompt an upgrade, leading individuals to remove an older implant to replace it with a newer, more advanced model. This decision is made after careful consideration and consultation with medical professionals.
The Cochlear Implant Removal Procedure
The surgical procedure for cochlear implant removal is performed under general anesthesia, with the patient asleep and pain-free. The surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear, often along the original implant incision site. This incision provides access to the device’s internal components.
Once exposed, the surgeon disconnects the implant from its internal connections, including the electrode array within the cochlea. The device is then removed from the prepared pocket. Surgery duration varies but takes approximately two to three hours. After removal, the incision is closed, often with dissolvable stitches.
Recovery following cochlear implant removal involves a relatively short hospital stay, with many patients discharged the same day or after overnight observation. Post-operative care includes managing discomfort around the incision site with pain medication. Potential risks, though uncommon, include bleeding, infection at the surgical site, and in rare instances, facial nerve injury or changes in taste sensation.
Life After Cochlear Implant Removal
After a cochlear implant has been removed, the individual’s hearing returns to their pre-implant levels. For many, this means a return to profound hearing loss in the implanted ear. It is common for some residual natural hearing in the implanted ear to be lost during the initial implantation process or its removal.
Individuals have several options to consider following implant removal. If removal was due to device malfunction or the desire for an upgrade, re-implantation with a new device is possible. This involves implanting a new device in the same or opposite ear. Alternatively, some individuals may explore other hearing solutions, such as traditional hearing aids, if they have sufficient residual hearing to benefit from amplification.
For others, the decision may be to not pursue further amplification in the removed ear. This choice can lead to significant psychological and social adjustments, as the individual adapts to a different auditory experience. Support from audiologists, counselors, and support groups can be beneficial during this transition period.