Risks and Complications Associated with Cochlear Implantation

• During surgery any remaining hearing in the implanted ear will probably be permanently lost.
• Because the surgery is done in the vicinity of the nerve that moves the face, there is a remote possibility that temporary or permanent facial paralysis may occur after surgery.
• There is a slight risk that the patient may experience taste disturbances, such as a metallic taste, following implant surgery.
• There is the risk that the surgical site may become infected, which might require removal of the device.
• The patient may experience pain at the wound following surgery; this is usually temporary.

Vaccinations

Preparing for surgery includes proper vaccination against the common causes of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is a bacterial infection that can be serious if not treated quickly and is a common cause of deafness. It can be a complication of otitis media or other clinical conditions commonly found in deafness and can recur. It can be a risk associated with surgery and/or implantation of foreign material where there is a higher chance of infection from bacteria causing meningitis. The best prevention of meningitis includes vaccination and education. For more information, please visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.

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