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Procedures

What is cochlear implant surgery?

Medcasts editorial team

Cochlear implants are surgically placed devices that bypass damaged inner-ear cells and stimulate the auditory nerve directly. Suitable for severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss when hearing aids aren't enough.

The surgery: 2–3 hour procedure, mastoid bone drilled to access inner ear, electrode array placed in cochlea, receiver-stimulator placed under scalp.

Recovery and activation: 4–6 weeks for surgical recovery before device activation. Auditory rehabilitation continues 12–24 months for full benefit.

Outcomes: most adult recipients understand speech reasonably well by 12 months. Children implanted before age 2 typically develop near-normal speech. Older-onset losses have variable outcomes.

For international care, cochlear implants are a strong option in select destinations (India, Turkey, Germany). Cost ~$15–30k per ear internationally vs $40–100k US. Specialist follow-up coordination is essential.

This answer is general information, not medical advice. Your own doctor should confirm what applies to your case.

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