Cochlear Implant Surgery: Restoring Hearing Ability at Thanc Hospital, Chennai
Have you or your loved one been struggling with severe hearing loss that hearing aids no longer help? Cochlear Implant Surgery offers a transformative solution — restoring sound perception and improving communication, confidence, and quality of life.
At Thanc Hospital, Chennai, we provide advanced Cochlear Implant Surgery guided by experienced ENT surgeons and audiologists. Our comprehensive approach — from diagnosis to rehabilitation — ensures safe, effective, and life-changing outcomes for both children and adults.
These procedures are led by our Otology and Neuro-Otology (Ear) specialists, supported by our expert Audiology and Speech Language-Pathology team.
Read on to understand the full process, benefits, risks, and recovery journey — and see how we can help you or your child reconnect with the world of sound.
Understanding Hearing Loss and Cochlear Implants
Hearing loss can occur due to damage in the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve pathway. While mild or moderate loss may improve with hearing aids, severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss often requires advanced treatment — a cochlear implant.
A cochlear implant is a sophisticated electronic device that bypasses the damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve, enabling the brain to perceive sound signals.
It consists of two components:
- External (Sound Processor): Captures and converts sounds into digital signals.
- Internal (Implant Receiver & Electrode Array): Surgically placed inside the cochlea to deliver electrical impulses to the auditory nerve.
At Thanc Hospital, we specialize in both pediatric and adult cochlear implant programs, offering tailored assessments and implant solutions from world-class manufacturers.
Who Can Benefit from Cochlear Implants
You or your child may be a candidate for cochlear implantation if you experience:
- Severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in one or both ears
- Limited benefit from hearing aids
- Difficulty understanding speech even with amplification
- Delayed speech or language development in children
- Sudden or progressive hearing loss due to illness, aging, or genetic causes
Early intervention is key — especially in children under 5 years, as it dramatically enhances language development and cognitive growth.
Diagnosis and Evaluation at Thanc Hospital
At Thanc Hospital, Chennai, our multidisciplinary cochlear implant team — ENT surgeons, audiologists, and speech therapists — perform an in-depth evaluation to determine candidacy.
1. Comprehensive Hearing Tests
Including Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA), Otoacoustic Emission (OAE), and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) to measure hearing sensitivity and nerve function.
2. Speech and Language Assessment
To evaluate current speech perception, comprehension, and communication skills.
3. Radiological Imaging
CT and MRI scans help visualize the cochlea’s structure, auditory nerve integrity, and surgical suitability.
4. Medical & Psychological Counseling
We explain expectations, benefits, limitations, and the rehabilitation journey for patients and families before surgery.
Once approved, our specialists plan the surgery, select the implant model, and schedule the procedure under optimal conditions.
These assessments and procedures are conducted in collaboration with our Audiology and Speech Language-Pathology department, ensuring precise hearing evaluation and customized implant programming.
What Is Cochlear Implant Surgery?
Cochlear Implant Surgery is a minimally invasive ENT procedure that involves placing the internal implant component beneath the skin behind the ear and inserting the electrode array into the cochlea.
At Thanc Hospital, we use modern endoscopic and microscopic surgical techniques to ensure accuracy, minimal trauma, and faster recovery.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts 2 to 3 hours. Most patients are discharged within 1–2 days after surgery.
Cochlear Implant Surgery: Step-by-Step Process
Preoperative Preparation
- Detailed hearing and medical evaluation
- Counseling about outcomes, post-surgery care, and rehabilitation
- Routine lab tests and anesthesia clearance
- Fasting for a few hours before the procedure
During the Surgery
- The surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear.
- A bone pocket is created to place the implant receiver.
- The electrode array is gently inserted into the cochlea.
- The incision is closed, and the implant’s position is verified.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Postoperative Monitoring
- Observation in recovery for a few hours
- Pain and infection control
- Discharge typically the next day
Concerned about hearing loss or poor speech clarity?
Our expert ENT and audiology team at Thanc Hospital Chennai can help you explore if a Cochlear Implant is the right choice.
Activation and Rehabilitation
The cochlear implant is not switched on immediately after surgery.
1. Initial Activation (2–4 weeks later)
Once the incision heals, the external sound processor is fitted and programmed (“mapped”) to suit the patient’s hearing profile.
2. Speech and Auditory Training
This crucial phase helps the brain learn to interpret new sound signals.
Regular therapy with our audiologists and speech-language pathologists helps develop speech, comprehension, and confidence.
3. Continuous Follow-ups
The implant program is fine-tuned over time to ensure comfort, clarity, and optimal hearing performance.
Recovery Timeline
Week 1: Mild discomfort and swelling around the incision area.
Week 2–4: Healing progresses; implant activation scheduled.
Month 2–3: Noticeable improvement in sound awareness and speech clarity.
Month 6 onward: Significant improvement in communication, social confidence, and overall quality of life.
Children typically show rapid improvement in speech perception with consistent therapy.
Benefits of Cochlear Implant Surgery
Patients and families often report remarkable outcomes such as:
- Restoration of hearing ability in both quiet and noisy environments
- Improved speech recognition and communication
- Enhanced learning and social interaction in children
- Greater confidence and independence
- Reduction in feelings of isolation and depression
With proper use and rehabilitation, cochlear implants can last for decades, offering lasting hearing restoration.
Risks and Safety Measures
At Thanc Hospital, every procedure follows strict safety and infection-control protocols.
Common temporary effects:
- Mild pain or swelling near the incision
- Temporary dizziness or ear fullness
Rare complications (<2%):
- Device malfunction or electrode issues
- Infection at the implant site
- Altered taste or transient facial weakness
Our team ensures continuous monitoring and rapid intervention to maintain patient safety.
Cochlear Implant Excellence at Thanc Hospital, Chennai
Why choose us?
✓ Board-certified ENT & cochlear implant surgeons
✓ Expert audiologists and speech-language therapists
✓ NABH-accredited operation theatres
✓ Latest implant systems from global manufacturers
✓ Personalized post-implant rehabilitation
✓ 24/7 emergency and follow-up care
At Thanc Hospital, our mission is to help individuals regain hearing, confidence, and connection with the world around them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is cochlear implant surgery painful?
No. It’s done under general anesthesia. Mild soreness may be felt afterward but is well managed with medication.
Can both ears be implanted?
Yes. Bilateral implantation offers better sound localization and speech clarity, especially in children.
When can the implant be activated?
Usually 2–4 weeks after surgery, once healing is complete.
Will I be able to hear normally immediately?
It takes time — your brain needs to adapt. Gradual improvement occurs through mapping and therapy.
How long does the implant last?
The internal device can last a lifetime; external processors may be upgraded every few years.
Can children born deaf get cochlear implants?
Yes. Early implantation (before age 3) gives the best speech and language outcomes.
Expert Cochlear Implant Care at Thanc Hospital, Chennai
✓ Advanced ENT surgical expertise
✓ State-of-the-art implant technology
✓ Holistic hearing rehabilitation programs
✓ Insurance and cashless facilities available
Final Thoughts
Hearing loss no longer needs to limit communication or confidence. With Cochlear Implant Surgery at Thanc Hospital, Chennai, you or your child can rediscover the joy of sound — every conversation, laugh, and melody.
Our compassionate team walks with you from diagnosis to recovery, ensuring a seamless journey toward restored hearing and renewed life quality.
