Frequently asked questions about Cochlear Implants Surgery – Get cochlear implant surgery in India at an affordable cost

What is a cochlear implant?

Referred to as bionic ear, a cochlear implant is a device that produces sense of sound electronically. The cochlear implants provide hearing in patients who are hard of hearing due to damaged sensory hair cells in cochlea.

Cochlea is a part of the inner ear that comprises tiny hair cells. When there is damage to the tiny hair cells in the cochlea, sound cannot reach the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is known as sensorineural. The cochlear implants bypass the damaged hair cells and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. The implants allow sufficient hearing and unaided understanding of speech.

Though the quality of sound with cochlear implants is different and allows lesser information to be perceived and processed by the brain, yet it helps in hearing and understanding speech and sound to a good extent.

What are cochlear implants comprised of and how do they work?

The implant has two parts – an external part that is placed behind the ear and an internal part that is surgically placed under the skin.

Components of external part and their function:

The external part comprises of a microphone, a speech processor and a transmitter. The microphone picks up sound and sends them to speech processor. The speech processor is small box-like unit that analyzes the sound signals and send the sound signals to a transmitter on the device worn behind the ear. After this the transmitter sends the signals to the receiver implanted in the internal part under the skin.

Components of Internal Part and their function:

The Internal Part of the device comprises of a receiver and an array of electrodes. The receiver takes the coded signals from transmitter and sends them to the electrodes placed in the cochlea. The electrodes directly connect with the auditory nerve and stimulate the auditory nerve thereby produce sound sensations which are then perceived.

Who is a candidate for cochlear implant surgery?

The candidate for cochlear implant surgery can be a child or adult with:

      ·  Severe to Profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears

      ·  Having found limitations using hearing aid.

      ·  No medical problems that would contra-indicate the surgery

      ·  Loss of hearing after speech-language development.

      ·  Strong desire to be part of hearing world and communicate through listening and speaking

      ·  Have realistic expectations for using cochlear implants

What is involved prior to getting a cochlear implant?

Prior to getting a cochlear implant, testing is done in the areas of audio logic testing, medical examination and psychological examination. The tests such as X-ray, MRI as well as counseling are done so as to help the candidate to benefit from a cochlear implant and motivate him to participate in the process. Once the decision is made, the surgery is done either on an out-patient basis or requires an overnight stay in the hospital.

After a few weeks (about 4-6 weeks) the person is found to be fit with external parts with microphone and speech processor and the implant is activated. Some additional visits for activating and programming of electrodes may be required for the final programming with speech processor.

What are the Benefits and Risks associated with cochlear implants?

The Cochlear implants are found to be advantageous in individuals who have acquired deafblindness. These individuals find a substantial improvement in their daily lives. The device helps in providing them with more information, safety, better orientation, mobility, better communication within their environment thereby involving them better in the community. Thus it enhances self confidence of the individual also.

There are some associated risks involved which are apparently found with any other surgical procedure. Rarely could be a damage to the facial nerve during the operation but with skilled surgeons it is infrequent to expect any injury.

How is the Post-operative Rehabilitation Program like after the surgical implantation of device?

The post –op rehabilitation is a crucial period and involves extensive rehabilitation. During this period a holistic rehab program is given to the patient which involves team of experts as well as the patient and his family. The core team comprises of parents (if the patient is a child), the patient, the ENT Surgeons, audiologist, speech therapist. They work together to rehabilitate hearing to the patient.

Where can one find a high quality cochlear Implant in India?

Cochlear implants are available at best Hospitals and clinics in India. The cochlear implantation involves multi-disciplinary approach and involves expert ENT surgeons, Neuropsychologist, Audiologist, Paediatician and Speech Therapist who work in a team to improve the hearing of the patient.

What is the cost of Cochlear Implants Surgery in India?

The approximate cost of cochlear implants is inclusive of Pre-Surgery Tests and counseling, Cochlear Implant Surgery, Cochlear Implant Instrumentation and post-op rehabilitation. The total cost of the Cochlear Implantation varies depending upon the procedure one undergoes. e.g- Approximate cost of Pre Surgery Tests - $1000, Cochlear implantation - $5000 US Dollars, Cost of cochlear Instrumentation - $15000 to 25000

How can one avail affordable and cheap cochlear implant surgery in India?

To get cochlear implant surgery at affordable prices in India, one should approach a reputed medical tourism company in India. The medical tourism companies have association with best hospitals and surgeons in India and offer Cochlear Implantation packages at negotiated prices.

The companies help in choosing the city of one's own choice, best surgeon and hospital one would like to undergo a cochlear implant surgery in India.

IndiCure is the most trusted medical tourism company offering healthcare services for high quality cochlear implant surgery in India at affordable prices. For more information about cochlear implants surgery, visit - http://indicure.com.ng/ent_surgery /cochlear%20_implant_surgery_cost_in_india.htm 
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