There are no tests to predict the level a benefit a particular individual will receive from cochlear implantation. The level of benefit a cochlear implant provide varies among individuals. Most recipients report that their lives are enriched following implant surgery. In addition, the ability to hear sound, develop better speech understanding, and interact with the hearing world can have a positive effect on a recipient s feelings of involvement in daily life. The surgery usually takes several hours and the hospital stay ranges from 23 to 48 hours.
General anesthesia is used.
During surgery, an incision is made behind the ear. The electrode array is inserted through an opening in the cochlea. Once the skin heals, the only visible evidence is a slight bump behind the ear. The audiologist programs the speech processor over several sessions, setting appropriate levels of stimulation for each electrode from soft to comfortably loud. The flexibility of the cochlear implant system allows the user and the audiologists to work together to achieve the best possible performance with the device.