15. Cochlear implantation
- Cochlear implants are prosthetic devices surgically implanted into the temporal bone
- They stimulate the auditory nerve directly via intracochlear electrodes
- A microphone and speech processor behind the hear picks up and processes the sound
- The sound is then sent wirelessly through the skin to the cochlear implant
- Prerequisite: Functional auditory nerve and central auditory pathway
- Promontory test – direct stimulation of promontory reveals whether the auditory nerve and central auditory pathway work
- Indications
- Moderate – severe SNHL
- Lack of benefit from hearing aids
- Follow-up
- Technical check of implant function and speech processor
- Adjusting the speech processor
- Auditory training – the patient must learn to interpret the electrical impulses as speech
- Sign language and lip reading should also be taught