What is involved with cochlear implant surgery?
Cochlear implant surgery is performed in the hospital, under a general anesthetic. Before surgery, every patient must obtain a medical letter of fitness for general anesthesia, from their pediatrician or family practitioner. The cochlear implant surgery takes about two to three hours. Very little hair is shaved behind the ear as the incision is small, usually just in the crease behind the ear. After surgery the patient is in the recovery room (PACU – post anesthesia care unit) for about one hour. Patients then return to the ambulatory care area and most patients are discharged on the day of the surgery.
