Our process

Cochlear implant surgery generally takes 1-2 hours and is commonly performed under a general anaesthetic. It is ear surgery, not brain surgery. Once anaesthetised and antibiotics have been given, a small incision is made behind your ear. This allows the Surgeon access to the mastoid; a system of air cells within the bone behind the ear that connects to the middle ear. By carefully following these air cell tracts it is possible to gain access to the middle ear space without disturbing the ear canal and ear drum. From this position, the Surgeon can see your cochlea and prepare for insertion of the cochlear implant electrode array. At completion of surgery the wound is carefully closed and a firm bandage is left on overnight.

Following surgery

Following surgery you can expect to stay in hospital for 1 night. Occasionally a longer stay may be required. You will not be discharged from hospital until you are well enough to go home. An X-ray is usually taken the day after your surgery to check the position of the cochlear implant. Cochlear implant surgery is well tolerated by most people with minimal discomfort. Some people may experience dizziness, which is generally mild and short lived.

Upon discharge home, it is important to rest. We recommend you take time off work until your follow-up appointment with your Surgeon, approximately one week after surgery. Your Surgeon will make sure healing is occurring well and will remove the sutures.

OSIA and Bonebridge surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and takes approximately one hour to complete. A small incision is made behind the ear to expose the bone and a pocket is fashioned for the receiver. The implant is attached to the bone, which enables the transmission of sound through the bone to the inner ear. The wound is closed, and a dressing is applied overnight.

While the OSIA and Bonebridge implant systems work differently, both are fully implanted under the skin with an externally worn sound processor.

Following surgery

Following OSIA and Bonebridge surgery you will most likely stay in hospital overnight and be discharged the following morning. Discomfort is usually minimal.

Specific care instructions will be provided by your Surgeon, who will arrange to see you approximately one week after surgery for a review and removal of your sutures.

Surgery for Connect and Attract Bone Conduction Implants generally takes less than an hour. It can be performed under a general or local anaesthetic depending on the type of implant chosen, your general health and the preference of you and your Surgeon. Once the site for the implant has been chosen, a small incision is made and the bone of the skull is exposed. A 3-4 mm deep hole is prepared for the implant to be screwed into the bone. Regardless of the type of bone conduction implant chosen, the key feature is osseo-integration, which is a process whereby living bone grows into the porous metal of the implant. This allows it to become part of the bone, which enhances the strength and sound conduction properties of the device.

For the Connect system an abutment protrudes through the skin for direct attachment of the sound processor. For the Attract system a magnet is attached to the implant prior to closure of the skin. A dressing is then applied.

Following surgery

Depending on the time of the operation, your individual circumstances and general health you may be discharged from hospital on the day of surgery or the following day. Discomfort is minimal and in most cases you will be able to return to normal activities within a few days. Post operative care will vary depending on the type of implant and will be explained by your Surgeon.

An appointment with your Surgeon will be made for you approximately one week after surgery. At this time your wound is checked, and the sutures are usually removed.

The team at Cochlear Implants SA will work with you to optimize your hearing with your cochlear implant. This will include:

• Fitting of the sound processor and activation of the cochlear implant approximately two weeks after your operation
• A series of appointments in the first month of switch on to help you adapt to electrical stimulation and become confident in managing your device
• Listening and communication practice 
• Ongoing support for you, your family and those involved in your care to ensure you are enjoying better hearing and achieving best hearing outcomes

Over time you will continue to adapt to electrical stimulation and improved access to sound; you will begin to integrate the cochlear implant into your daily life and less programming will be required. While the need for support may lessen over time, the team at Cochlear Implants SA is always here for you. Routine review on a 6-12 monthly basis is recommended to ensure your cochlear implant and sound processor are well maintained, your hearing remains optimal, and we are supporting you to achieve your hearing and communication goals.

The team at Cochlear Implants SA will work with you to optimize your hearing with your bone conduction implant. This will include:

• Fitting of the sound processor approximately two weeks after surgery for the Attract, OSIA and Bonebridge systems and approximately six weeks after surgery for the Connect system
• Two to three appointments over the first few months following switch on to help you adapt and become confident in managing your device
• Listening and communication practice 
• Ongoing support for you, your family and those involved in your care to ensure you are enjoying improved hearing and achieving best hearing outcomes

After the initial programming of your bone conduction implant you can expect to adapt to and readily integrate the device into your daily life. While the need for support may lessen over time, the team at Cochlear Implants SA is always here for you. Routine review on an annual basis is recommended to ensure your bone conduction implant and sound processor are well maintained, your hearing remains optimal, and we are supporting you to achieve your hearing and communication goals.

At Cochlear Implants SA, rehabilitation is offered as an extension of care throughout your hearing implant journey. The team at Cochlear Implants SA is focused on your individual hearing and communication needs and can personalize rehabilitation to help you achieve your goals. Support can be provided across a variety of areas including, but not limited to:

• Listening practice to help you become familiar with your hearing implant
• Repairing conversation breakdowns with your communication partner
• Strategies to help you manage better in different listening environments such as social gatherings, restaurants, meetings or your workplace
• Strategies to help you manage small group conversations
• Coaching to improve assertiveness and self-advocacy in relation to your hearing loss
• Telephone training and support with assistive listening devices

At Cochlear Implants SA we believe in person- and family-centered care, where personalized rehabilitation is available for you and your communication partners throughout your hearing implant journey.