To be eligible for a cochlear implant, you must have:

• Hearing loss that is so severe it interrupts spoken communication

• Limited benefit from hearing aids as determined by specialized hearing tests

• No medical conditions or factors that increase the risks associated with cochlear implants

• High motivation to participate in hearing rehabilitation and be part of the hearing world

• Realistic expectations of what cochlear implants can and can't do for hearing

Cochlear implant surgery is done under general anesthesia. This means you or your child will be in a sleep-like state during the procedure. You or your child might need to:

• Stop taking certain medications or supplements for a certain amount of time

• Avoid eating or drinking for a certain amount of time

Your doctor will give you specific instructions to help you prepare.

Cochlear implant surgery is done in a hospital or clinic. The surgery lasts two to four hours. You are given medication (general anesthesia) to make you sleep during the procedure.

• The surgeon makes a cut behind the ear and then opens the mastoid bone.

• The surgeon identifies the facial nerves and creates an opening between them to access the cochlea, which is then opened. He or she inserts the implant electrodes into the cochlea.

• The surgeon places an electronic device called the receiver under the skin behind the ear, securing it to the skull in this area.

• The incisions are then closed, and you will be moved into the recovery area and watched closely.

• You will be discharged after at least two hours of observation.

When leaving the hospital you will be given instructions on how to care for the incisions. You will also learn how to change dressings and care for your stitches. You may wash your ear as normal after a day or two. A follow-up appointment is made for about one week later or at activation to inspect the incisions and remove the stitches.

You will have some time to heal after the initial surgery before the implant device is turned on or activated. About four to six weeks after the surgery, the external parts of the cochlear implant will be added. These include a microphone and speech processor. At that time, the speech processor is programmed and activated, which causes the internal device to stimulate the cochlear nerve in response to sounds.