What Happens During Cochlear Implant Surgery?

The internal component of the Cochelar Freedom Cochlear Implant (including the attached electrode array) is implanted totally beneath the skin. The surgery usually takes anywhere between 3 and 6 hours. Here is what happens during that surgery:

1. Prior to surgery, the area of the head where the cochlear implant will be placed is shaved.
2. While Aiden is under general anesthesia, the surgeon will make an incesion behind his ear.
3. The surgeon will then form a small depression in the mastoid bone behind the ear to hold the cochlear implant in place.
4. The electrode array is inserted into the cochlea, which is adult size at birth, through an opening near a structure called the round window. The thin, tapered, and flexible construction of the Freedom electrode array minimizes damage during insertion and helps it conform to the cochlea's curved shape.
5. The incision is then closed and the head is bandaged. Once the skin heals, the implant is hardly noticeable; only a slight bump remains. Depending on your hairstyle, this will usually be covered.

How long does it take to recuperate?

It generally takes 3-5 weeks after surgery for the incision to heal. However, most implant recipients feel well enough during that time to resume their normal activities. After this time of healing, the implant will be "turned on."

This information was adapted from the Cochlear "Issues and Answers" book (for the Nucleus 3 implant system, but I'm pretty sure it is the same for the Freedom system too).