Cochlear Implant Surgery: Myths and Facts

Did you know the answers to some of these most common questions and myths about cochlear implant surgery?

MYTH: “CI surgery is brain surgery” “Cochlear implants go into the brain” “CIs make a hole in the skull”

FACT: In a cochlear implant surgery, a small incision is made beind the ear (sometimes, a small amount of hair is shaved to make the incision site more sterile — for girls, French-braiding hair before surgery can minimize the amount of hair lost).  The surgeon lifts the skin away from the underlying bone, and uses surgical drills to create a “well” for the internal implant components to sit in between the skin and the skull.  At no time is the brain casing breeched or compromised in any way.  Then, the surgeon drills through the mastoid bone encasing the cochlea and inserts the electrode array.  Before the incision site is closed, an audiologist puts the external processor components into sterile casing and places them on the patient.  The processor, which is connected to a computer with CI programming software (as it is in a mapping appointment), allows the audiologist to perform tests that assess the integrity of the internal components and the proper insertion of the electrodes.  This is done so the surgeon can make any necessary adjustments before ending the surgery.  If all is well, the incision site is closed, the patient goes to the recovery room, and can return home later that day.

MYTH: “Cochlear implant surgery is a major, dangerous operation”

FACT:  If that was true, cochlear implant surgery would not be an outpatient procedure, as it usually is.  Though I went in to my surgery observation experience pro-CI, even I was amazed at how “dry” the surgery was!  The amount of blood was minimal, maybe like the worst cut I’ve ever had, and the drilling reminded me of orthodontist appointments where the dentist would grind down teeth to help position the braces.  This is not, however, intended to diminish the fact that yes, cochlear implant surgery is surgery, and, as with all surgeries, there are risks.  It is crucial that patients/parents understand this and make an informed decision.

MYTH: “The cochlear implant paralyzes facial nerves”

FACT: Facial nerve paralysis is a concern with cochlear implant surgery, as some of the facial nerves are located within the vicinity of the incision site.  To guard against this, however, the nerve is monitored throughout surgery so the surgeon is able to avoid such complications.

MYTH:  “Cochlear implants will give you meningitis”

FACT:  The population of people who receive cochlear implants is already at a higher risk of meningitis due to various factors that could have caused their deafness in the first place (malformations of the cochlea, genetic syndromes, previous history of meningitis, etc.).  Therefore, if a person with a CI develops meningitis, it is nearly impossible to establish a direct causal link between the implant and the subsequent illness.  In either case, the meningitis vaccine has done wonders in making this concern less and less of an issue for those considering cochlear implant surgery.

There are many more myths out there — I’ve heard some doozies! — but that’s all for now.  Want to see the surgery for yourself?  Click HERE for a captioned video of a CI surgery. (NOTE: When the surgeon discusses criteria for CI candidacy, he refers to the previous guidelines.  For the most up-to-date candidacy information, check with the FDA and your Cochlear Implant Center).

*I am NOT a physician.  If you, or someone you know, are considering a cochlear implant, the most important thing you can do is contact the nearest Cochlear Implant Center and speak with their team about how a CI may be a good choice for you!