What is the surgical procedure?

The operation, which is undertaken through a small 4cm incision behind the ear (this is the procedure carried out at NCIP with a Nucleus implant, other cochlear implant programmes may use a different procedure and different cochlear implant) and requires no hair shaving, typically takes about two hours and the patient is normally up and about ready for discharge from hospital the next day.

This processor is fitted to the patient about three to four weeks after the operation. Each processor has to be programmed individually for each patient, as the level of the electrical pulses required to deliver a comfortable sound sensation is different for every ear. The required levels are set by specialist audiologists, using a combination of behavioural audiology techniques and objective electrophysiological measurements undertaken during the operation.

Over subsequent weeks and months, the programme in the processor is carefully developed and optimised by a team audiologist.

The goal in programming the processor is to enable speech signals to be heard at a comfortable level, whilst ensuring loud sounds do not reach uncomfortable levels for the patient. This process can be challenging, particularly when working with young children with additional needs, though for many older patients it can be relatively straightforward.

By Tracey Twomey
Clinical Scientist in Audiology and Manager of the Nottingham Cochlear Implant Programme

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