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Cochlear Implant Surgery Complications

Cochlear implantation has long been a surgical method to help patients with intense to profound hearing loss experience improved hearing. A cochlear implant is an electronic device designed to facilitate hearing. The implant uses both microphones and receivers, combined with electrical devices to transmit sounds to the ear in order to help a patient hear. Because the surgery requires general anesthesia as well as incisions made, there are risks associated with surgery.

  1. Nerve Damage

    • Because the surgeon must implant portions of the cochlea implant into delicate areas of the head, such as the area affecting the facial nerves, nerve damage can occur. This may result in temporary or even permanent facial paralysis, particularly to one side of the face, typically the same side as the implant, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

    Meningitis

    • Meningitis is an infection that occurs in the brain. While many physicians require a patient receive the meningitis vaccine prior to surgery, the infection is most likely to occur in patients who have a deformed inner ear structure, where leakage can occur.

    Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage

    • If a surgeon inadvertently creates a perforation or other hole in the inner ear or other area surrounding the brain, the fluid resting around the brain can leak. This can cause symptoms ranging from a headache to nasal congestion, sneezing or dizziness. While some cerebrospinal fluids will heal on their own, others may necessitate surgery.

    Dizziness/Vertigo

    • The inner ear is responsible for maintaining balance in the body. For this reason, one of the complications associated with cochlear implants can include a difficulty in balance or dizziness as a result of the implant or other common problems that occur during surgery.

    Implant Rejection

    • As with any implantation of a foreign object into the body, rejection can occur. The same is true for a cochlear implant, and rejection can manifest itself through a condition known as reparative granuloma, where inflammation, redness or swelling can occur as a result of the body rejecting the cochlear implant.

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