The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Cochlear implants
A SURGICALLY IMPLANTED DEVICE TO TREAT SEVERE HEARING LOSS
Cochlear implants work by stimulating the nerves in the inner ear to send sound signals to the brain.
What is a cochlear ear implant?
A cochlear implant is an electronic device that can be suitable for those who are profoundly deaf.
It has several different parts — some are surgically implanted under the skin and some are worn on the body. It works by stimulating the nerves in the inner ear to send sound signals to the brain.
Need to know
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and let you know how to prepare for your surgery and what to expect. You'll need to be assessed to make sure you're a suitable candidate for a cochlear implant. You may be able to have a cochlear implant for one ear or two (one for each ear).
Cochlear implant surgery is carried out under a general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will shave a small area of your hair behind your ear. They will then make a an incision behind your ear and drill through the bone, into the middle ear and into the cochlea.
The internal part of the device will be inserted and your surgeon will sew up the cut. The surgery can take between two to five hours, and you will wake with a large bandage on your head.
The internal part of the device will be inserted and your surgeon will sew up the cut. The surgery can take between two to five hours, and you will wake with a large bandage on your head.
Most patients feel better quite quickly. You'll be cared for in hospital for one to two days after surgery. After surgery to insert the implant has taken place the implant will be turned on a few weeks later.
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Our Cochlear implants locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.