A cochlear implant is a small electronic device, similar to a pacemaker, which helps restore hearing function for those who have severe to profound hearing loss. This device is surgically implanted underneath the scalp and a small electrode is threaded into the inner ear so that electrical impulses can stimulate hearing.
Through the implant, sound is converted from acoustic energy into electrical energy. Normally, sound travels through three separate compartments of the ear: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. A cochlear implant bypasses the outer ear and the middle ear to cause direct stimulation on the inner ear and transmission of this information to the brain.
People who lose their hearing later in life are great candidates for cochlear implants because they can correlate the signal emitted by from the implant to sounds they remember. With therapy, adults should be able to understand speech again.
Cochlear implant surgery is done at Miracle Mile Medical Group. The surgery lasts about three to four hours. You are given general anesthesia before the procedure.
Dr. Nazarian makes a cut behind the ear and opens the mastoid bone.
Dr. Nazarian identifies the facial nerves and creates an opening between them to access the cochlea, which is then opened.
He then inserts the implant electrodes into the cochlea.
Dr. Nazarian will then place an electronic device (called the receiver) under the skin behind the ear, securing it to the skull.
The incisions is closed and you will be moved to an outpatient recovery area.
You will be discharged after about two hours of observation.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nazarian call 323.433.7744 or visit our contact page.
