Page header image

Cochlear Implant Surgery for Children and Teens

________________________________________________________________________

KEY POINTS

  • Cochlear implant surgery is done to place part of a cochlear implant under the skin and into your child’s ear during surgery.
  • About 4 to 6 weeks after surgery when your child has healed, your child’s healthcare provider will attach the outside part of the implant behind your child’s ear.
  • Your child will need ongoing visits and rehab to get the best results from the cochlear implant surgery.

________________________________________________________________________

What is cochlear implant surgery?

Cochlear implant surgery is done to place part of a cochlear implant device under the skin and into your child’s ear during surgery. Later, other parts of the cochlear implant will be placed behind your child’s ear. The device goes around the damaged parts of the inner ear (cochlea) and sends signals to the nerve that goes from the ear to the brain.

A cochlear implant is an electronic device. The main parts include:

  • A microphone that picks up sound
  • A speech processor that gathers the sounds heard by the microphone
  • A transmitter and receiver that turns processor signals into electric impulses
  • Electrodes that sends the impulses to the nerve in the ear that helps with hearing
  • Batteries that can be recharged

Your child will have a cochlear implant placed in just one ear or in both ears.

When is it used?

Cochlear implant surgery is used when your child has a certain type of hearing loss called a sensorineural hearing loss. It is used when your child is deaf or almost deaf.

Your child’s healthcare provider will do testing to measure your child’s hearing loss and to help decide if cochlear implant surgery is the right treatment to improve your child’s hearing.

Your child may benefit from a cochlear implant if your child has a moderate to severe hearing loss in one or both ears and one of the following:

  • Is not getting help by using hearing aids
  • Had a pneumococcal meningitis infection that affected hearing
  • Imaging tests show that your child has abnormal bone growth in the inner ear

Your child will also need to have:

  • Hearing tests that show that your child does not hear words or sentences well enough, even when using a hearing aid
  • Imaging tests that show that the nerve and structures in the inner ear that help with hearing are healthy
  • A healthy ear drum without holes
  • No sign of an infection in or around the ear
  • Any vaccinations that are due as advised by your child’s healthcare provider
  • A hearing rehabilitation (rehab) program after surgery, with help from family members and teachers

A cochlear implant does not restore normal hearing. It is used to give a deaf or nearly deaf child a chance to understand sounds or another person speaking. Your child’s healthcare team will work with your child and your family to help you understand how it will work after surgery. Ongoing rehab and good support from family members and teachers will help your child get the best results over time.

Cochlear implants can be used in young children as soon as a hearing loss is found.

How do I prepare my child for this procedure?

  • This surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, which means that your child may be able to go home the same day or the day after surgery. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about where your child will have surgery.
  • Tell your child’s healthcare provider if your child has any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
  • Your child may or may not need to take regular medicines the day of the surgery. Tell your child’s healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements your child takes. Some products may increase your child’s risk of side effects. Ask your child’s provider if your child needs to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the surgery.
  • Tell your child’s healthcare provider if your child has an infection such as a cold.
  • Your child’s healthcare provider will tell you when your child should stop eating and drinking before the surgery. This helps to keep your child from vomiting during the surgery.
  • Follow any instructions your child’s healthcare provider may give you.
  • Ask any questions you have before the surgery. You should understand what your child’s healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your child’s healthcare and to give permission for tests or surgeries.

What happens after the procedure?

Follow your child’s healthcare provider's instructions. Ask your child’s provider:

  • If there are activities your child should avoid and when your child can return to normal activities
  • How to take care of your child at home
  • What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if your child has them

Make sure you know when your child should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for healthcare provider visits or tests.

About 4 to 6 weeks after surgery when your child has healed, your child’s healthcare provider will attach the outside part of the implant behind your child’s ear. You and your child will work with the healthcare team to learn:

  • To take care of your child’s device
  • How your child will hear sounds and start to speak or improve speech

Some children may be hearing sound for the first time. Your child will need ongoing visits and rehab to get the best results from the cochlear implant surgery.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

  • Problems with anesthesia
  • Infection or bleeding
  • Your child’s hearing may not improve as expected

Ask your child’s healthcare provider how these risks apply to your child. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.

Developed by Change Healthcare.
Pediatric Advisor 2022.2 published by Change Healthcare.
Last modified: 2022-01-03
Last reviewed: 2020-09-03
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2022 Change Healthcare LLC and/or one of its subsidiaries
Page footer image