The principal risk factors are those associated with general anesthesia. But while the procedural risks are low, the price tag is high. Private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare do not always provide adequate coverage for the surgery. Even though the operation could help far more deaf individuals, only an estimated 26,000 have received the implant. Hearing lessons About 3-5 weeks after surgery, an external speech processor the size of a pager is connected by magnets to the internal mechanism anchored inside the skull, and for the first time the implant is turned on.
Some kids cry.
Lots of adults are disappointed because it doesn't sound exactly like their memory. He was scared at first, but it was incredible to know he could hear. Once the device is operational, a computer program is used to divide the sound frequencies and assign them to one of the 16-24 electrodes available. Then the audiologist determines whether the electrodes should fire one at a time, two at a time, or many at a time to achieve the best sonic result. This mapping process is refined many times over the first six months and gradually tapers off as the patient adjusts to interpreting the sound signals.