Important measures after cochlear implantation

What to do after a cochlear implantation on the way to hearing again.

What medical recommendations should I follow after a cochlear implant? When and how do you hear with your new ear for the first time? How does the handling work, which technical devices can be connected and how well should you generally take care of the CI system's audio processor? And what rehabilitation measures - with experts and in everyday life - are necessary? You can find answers to all these questions here!

Daniel Zangerl

After a cochlear implantation, the average length of stay in hospital is around two to three days. This short length of stay is made possible by modern surgical methods and the resulting significantly shorter duration of anesthesia, which allows patients to recover more quickly.

Medical recommendations

After discharge from hospital, it is essential to follow the instructions of the clinical staff, such as taking prescribed medication, not washing your hair until the stitches have been removed and generally taking it easy until the initial fitting.

The first fitting

The so-called first fitting takes place at the earliest after the sutures have been removed (around ten days after the operation), but no later than the fourth postoperative week. The patient receives the outer part of the implant, the so-called "audio processor", which is worn behind the pinna or as a button processor (slightly above it). Only then can the system be activated. Until this day, the ear is still deaf after the operation. The audio processor is switched on and adjusted. From that moment, audio signals can be transmitted to the implant and heard. Even though the expert will activate the system carefully and sounds will probably still be quiet and unfamiliar, it is still a great and unforgettable moment for the patient and their relatives!

Further adjustments

After the first fitting, several more follow in the course of the subsequent months, initially at shorter intervals, until the intervals become longer and the satisfied user ultimately only visits the expert for an annual "fitting check".

Rehabilitation

In addition to the provision of the optimum technical hearing aid, the appropriate accompanying therapy should be started immediately for the best hearing results. The type of therapy depends very much on the age of the person affected - children are more likely to need early intervention and speech therapy that is well adapted to their age for good speech development. Adults will also make appointments with a speech therapist, but can also take advantage of other rehabilitation measures such as group or music therapy in specially designed facilities.

Whether you are an adult or still a child - at home with your family, in the office with your colleagues - there are always plenty of opportunities to practise your new hearing. MED-EL also offers a range of rehabilitation materials that you can use in the comfort of your own home.

Correct use

The audio processor is a high-tech device with a high monetary value. Even though Austria's social insurance companies generally cover repairs and services, this does not apply to loss, theft and misuse. For this reason, it is advisable to take private insurance for audio processors.

In addition to regular service appointments with the technician, the service life of the audio processor also depends crucially on correct use and proper care by the user. Careful handling, a protected storage place and the regular use of a dry box to prevent moisture residues extend the functionality and performance of the device.

For questions on correct handling and many other tips, please contact the responsible service technician.

Connection options with other technical devices

The audio processor of a cochlear implant system can be connected to many different technical devices. On the one hand, important everyday devices such as cell phones, TVs, etc. can be connected to the system. MED-EL itself offers numerous accessories for special hearing situations and, finally, there is a wide range of useful technical devices for everyday use, which you can ask your service technician about.

Exchange with those affected

The opportunity to get in direct contact with other users or to exchange ideas in the group is immeasurably important, especially at the beginning of the path to (re)hearing.

Whether it's a personal conversation or sharing your worries, wishes and experiences in the community, there are a number of self-help groups and initiatives as well as personal contacts who are happy to provide advice and share experiences - because hearing connects!