Do you want to improve your hearing success after a cochlear implant in Singapore? A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic medical device that provides a sense of sound to an individual whose inner ear is damaged. Hearing loss occurs when the hair cells in the inner ear or the cochlea are impaired. The implant enables the sound to be transmitted to the hearing nerves and allows the person who is profoundly deaf or severely stone deaf in both ears to hear.
Unlike hearing aids, which create the sounds louder, a cochlear implant in Singapore replaces the function of the impaired parts of the inner ear to provide sound signals to the brain. After the implant surgery, patients with hearing loss can hear once again. However, there are a few things that should be kept in mind after the surgery to boost the hearing success.
What happens after the surgery?
- Everyone who underwent a cochlear implant surgery will have a bandage placed over the implant site to keep it clean. Don’t remove the bandage until your doctor gives a go signal. It is important to keep the bandages on for a while.
- Right after the surgery, get some instructions about the proper caring for the stitches, showering, washing the head, and general care and diet.
- Some people may experience a little pain around the implant but don’t fret since it is normal. The pain can usually be taken care of with mild pain killers. You can ask prescription from your doctor after the surgery.
- After your cochlear implant in Singapore, you will have some scheduled check-up appointments with your doctor. Be sure to follow the schedule so that your doctor can check on the healing process.
- In about three to six weeks following the surgery, you can have the implant activated. The waiting period offers enough time for the operative incision to heal completely and it often takes up to six weeks. Once the swelling is gone, your ENT doctor can do the first fitting and programming.
- Avoid putting too much pressure on the implant site like blowing your nose during the first few days. Otherwise, it will have an impact on the implant.
- Check the magnet site on a regular basis to ensure there are no allergic reactions or skin problems. Remember, healthy skin is a must for continued usage of a cochlear implant. If you develop skin wound infection on the area, be sure to visit your doctor immediately.
- Use a dry aid kit every night to remove any moisture absorbed by the sound processor throughout the day.
- If the skin becomes reddish or irritated, you should reduce the magnet strength. You can also minimise the strength if the magnet is applied too tightly.
- Contact your doctor or the cochlear implant manufacturer as soon as possible if a problem occurs on the equipment. They will be able to help resolve the issue or the manufacturer might replace the device instantaneously.
- Notify your doctor if you will be having an additional surgery. This is very important so your doctor can discuss ways to keep your device safe during the surgery. In addition, you must also inform your surgeon if you are required to have CT Scans or X-Rays, although these tests are safe for the implant.
- Keep updated with any the latest news about your cochlear implant in Singapore. You can follow the manufacturer’s social networks or subscribe to their newsletter.
