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Before You Get Your Cochlear Implant

It is important that all your questions are answered!

Do not hesitate to ask about the surgery and postoperative course. The main risks are bleeding, infection, altered taste sensation, and device failure. Very rare risks include meningitis, infection
requiring device removal, and facial nerve injury.

Vaccination:

All children under 2 years of age should receive the Prevnar® vaccine. Those aged 2-5 should receive Prevnar® and Pneumovax®. Those older than 5 should receive Pneumovax®. Your primary care doctor can usually administer these, but if there is a problem, tell your doctor. These vaccinations are recommended to reduce the risk of meningitis. Ideally, they should be given prior to surgery, but can be given afterwards.

CT Scanning:

A CT or CAT scan of the inner ears is necessary to see the anatomy of the cochlea to ensure the surgery can be done and to see if any special precautions are necessary. This is usually done at UMMC but can be done closer to home if this is more convenient. If the scan is done outside UMMC, it must be brought to our office for review before the surgery can be done. It is the responsibility of the patient or the family to get the films to our office.

Commitment:

You must be willing to commit to a number of office visits postoperatively! This is especially true for children who have not yet learned to talk! It may even be once or twice a month until the device is programmed well. Adults who can communicate orally will not need nearly as many visits. If you are concerned about transportation or work getting in the way of your postoperative plan, then cochlear implantation is probably not a good option for you or your child. We may ask you to sign a non-binding “contract” as a demonstration of your level of commitment.

For Questions or Emergency Care:
Call the office at 601-984-5160. You may need to speak with the doctor on-call.

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