Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implant treatment is made up of 2 stages: surgery to implant the internal part of the device, and a second procedure to attach the external part and adjust it to allow you to hear. 

Cochlear implant surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic, which means you’ll be asleep for the procedure. It normally takes between 1 and 2 hours per ear. 

During cochlear implant surgery, your surgeon will: 

1. Make a small incision (cut) behind your ear.

2. Create an opening in the bone behind your ear.

3. Place the internal device in the opening.

4. Close the incision with stitches. 

5. Repeat the procedure on your other ear (if necessary). 

Around 2 weeks after your implant surgery, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with a hearing specialist (audiologist) for the second part of the procedure. 

During your appointment, your audiologist will: 

1. Attach the external part (microphone and sound processor) and adjust the fit.

2. Check that all parts of the device are working.

3. Turn on the device and check what you can hear.

4. Make any necessary adjustments to optimise your hearing.

Cochlear implants are a routine surgery, and the risk of complications is low, but as with any medical procedure, there’s a small chance that they could occur. 

Your consultant will explain all the potential risks and complications before your procedure and answer any questions you may have. 

Possible complications of cochlear implant surgery may include: 

• adverse reaction to the anaesthetic 

• bleeding

• infection 

• nerve damage 

• loss of any hearing you have 

• dizziness, vertigo or balance problems

• tinnitus

• the device may malfunction and need to be replaced 

• cerebrospinal fluid leaks

• meningitis (this is very rare)

Your ENT surgeon will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your cochlear implant surgery. 

Tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have, and any medications you take regularly. 

You may need to: 

• get vaccinated against meningitis and pneumococcal disease

• stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before your surgery. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during and after your procedure

• have a health check including a blood test, chest X-ray and ECG to ensure you are fit enough to undergo a general anaesthetic

• stop eating and drinking for a period of time before your procedure – your surgeon will give you instructions on this

After your cochlear implant surgery, you’ll be taken to the recovery room where you’ll be monitored closely until the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. 

You may have some mild to moderate pain or discomfort for a week or 2 after your cochlear implant surgery. This can normally be managed with over-the-counter pain medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. 

Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for about a week after your surgery. 

If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, please contact the clinic for advice.

After your cochlear implant surgery, you will need to have regular appointments with an audiologist to programme your implant, train your brain to interpret and process the sounds and make any adjustments if needed. 

These will continue for as long as you have the implant.

Please contact our Surgery Centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our ENT consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book cochlear implant surgery, you must be referred by either your GP or ENT consultant following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with an ENT specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.