Cochlear Implants
You can open the sections below to find out more about cochlear implants, what you might expect during assessment for possible cochlear implantation, and some information about support after the operation if it is decided that cochlear implantion is right for you. All the videos on this page have subtitles and British Sign Language captions. We have also produced the following information leaflets which you may find useful (click on each to open):
Cochlear implant assessment for adults and older children.pdf [pdf] 983KB
This leaflet explains what a cochlear implant is and outlines the appointments that may be required to help decide whether you would benefit from cochlear implantation.
Preparing for your cochlear implant.pdf [pdf] 1MB
This leaflet explains how a cochlear implant works and outlines the main risks associated with a cochlear implant operation. It will help you prepare for your meeting with one of our surgeons.
What is a cochlear implant?
A cochlear implant is an electronic device designed to provide sound information directly to the hearing nerve. It is used when conventional hearing aids cannot give sufficient access to sound.
This video describes a cochlear implant and how it works:
Is a cochlear implant right for me?
Your GP, audiologist or ENT consultant will be able to tell you if your hearing loss is appropriate for referral to a cochlear implant programme and will arrange the referral. They will refer to guidelines published by NICE.
You can view the NICE Guidance here.
Once referred, a multidisciplinary team of professionals will work with you to carry out a detailed assessment of your hearing and communication needs. This will help to establish if cochlear implantation is right for you
Assessment and surgery
This video shows the assessment process and talks about the operation:
Programming and support
Initial programming takes place 3 or 4 weeks after the operation. It takes time to get used to listening with a cochlear implant but wearing it all the time and practising helps. You will receive ongoing support from our team of professionals.
This video explains how we program a cochlear implant and the support available:
Where we are based
Nottingham Auditory Implant Programme is based at Ropewalk House, which is in the centre of Nottingham, close to the castle. Patients come here for all their audiology clinic appointments, to have hearing assessments, and later to programme the equipment. We aim to arrange most meetings with our staff, including the consultants, at this site.
We also use the facilities at the main Nottingham University Hospital, Queens Medical Centre campus, to carry out Auditory Brainstem Response tests, any scans required, and for the operation itself.