Tips & Tricks

Everything You Need to Know After Hearing Implant Surgery

Preparing for your hearing implant surgery will help you both before and after the procedure, but there are a few other things to be considered after surgery.

The recovery process after hearing implant surgery is crucial for successful healing and activation. Here are a few tips and ideas to keep in mind that can help you after your hearing implant surgery and during your recovery.*

Take Your Time to Recover and Ask for Help After Hearing Implant Surgery

  • Take time to rest after cochlear implant surgery, so you can let your wound heal and body recover.
  • As you may feel pressure, pain, or discomfort on the implanted side of your head, have your medication ready and try to avoid sleeping on the wound.
  • If you are an adult recipient, driving following surgery is possible as soon as you feel ready and are no longer on medications. If you don’t feel ready to drive, arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital.

Prepare for Communication Before Activation

  • Don’t expect to be able to hear immediately after implantation. Keep in mind that your wound needs to heal first. Only then can the implant be activated. Read here what happens at the activation of your hearing implant.
  • Depending on your hearing status on your non-implanted side and level of hearing preservation, you may need to communicate via non-auditory means until your activation appointment. Have a whiteboard, a tablet, or pen and paper handy to help you communicate.
  • Learn a couple of keyword signs to use with your family—if you aren’t using some already.

Prepare for Activation After Hearing Implant Surgery

  • Your switch-on/activation appointment will be scheduled by your local MED-EL team. At this appointment, your external audio processor will be activated and programmed to work well with the internal implant. The exact date of this appointment will depend on your clinic. It is normal to feel anxious and excited about this appointment.
  • Remember, switch-on is different for everyone. Read about different activation experiences on our Hearpeers forum.
  • At switch-on, it is normal for the sounds of your hearing implant to seem unpleasant or high-pitched for a few days as your brain gets accustomed to the new auditory information it is receiving. It can be tiring, but try to wear your audio processor as much as possible to get your brain used to the new way of hearing.

Talk to Your Clinical Specialist

  • If you are experiencing strong pain or discomfort, get it checked by your clinical specialist.
  • Ask your doctor or clinical specialist for instructions on caring for stitches, washing your head, and tips to promote recovery.
  • Check with your doctor or clinical specialist about blowing your nose since the pressure may disrupt your healing process.
  • Check with your doctor or clinical specialist before you start lifting heavy things or doing intense athletic activities.
  • Talk to your doctor or clinical specialist, and ask any questions that you still might have. They can provide you with the best medical advice.

*The content on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please contact your doctor or hearing specialist to learn what type of hearing solution is suitable for your specific needs. Not all products, features, or indications shown are approved in all countries.

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The content on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please contact your doctor or hearing specialist to learn what type of hearing solution is suitable for your specific needs. Not all products, features, or indications shown are approved in all countries.

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2 Comments

Herman Davis

April 14, 2023

I would like to know more about the Passive Middle Ear Implant.

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MED-EL

April 14, 2023

Herman, Thank you for the inquiry. We recommend contacting your local MED-EL team to learn more about passive middle ear implants (PMEIs). They are best equipped to support your needs and provide information regarding product availability. You can find your local MED-EL team's contact details here: https://www.medel.com/clinic-finder/ Kind regards, Alicia

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najeema siraj

May 04, 2024

what are the precautions to be taken after a middle ear implant surgery .WHAT ARE POST OPERATIVE COUNSELLING

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MED-EL

May 06, 2024

Najeema, thank you for your comment. Your local MED-EL team, along with your medical professional team, can provide post-operative counseling information to you based on your situation. We would recommend getting in touch with your local MED-EL team here: https://www.medel.com/contact-med-el Kind Regards

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