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.

Enquiries & Appointments

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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.
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.
Hospital stay and procedure

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 consultants

Professor Simon Lloyd

Professor Simon Lloyd

Ear Nose & Throat Surgery (ENT/Otolaryngology)

Mr Robert Nash

Mr Robert Nash

Ear Nose & Throat Surgery (ENT/Otolaryngology)

Mr Peter Monksfield

Mr Peter Monksfield

Ear Nose & Throat Surgery (ENT/Otolaryngology)

Professor Dan Jiang

Professor Dan Jiang

Ear Nose & Throat Surgery (ENT/Otolaryngology)

Our Cochlear implants locations

The Portland Hospital

The Portland Hospital

205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.