So How Long Does a Cochlear Implant Last?
Wednesday August 20, 2008
Back when I was still considering a cochlear implant, well-meaning friends warned me that I would become a surgery patient for the rest of my life. Is that true? I decided to find out...
Comments
I have a shunt in my brain that I might need to periodically replace for the rest of my life, so this would not be a big deal to me. Fortunately, I’ve only had to go through one revision (replacement of shunt) in the last 20 years, so this most recent shunt has lasted for quite a while. Don’t know if, or even when, the shunt will need replacing next. Sure, it’s scary, but in my situation, it’s necessary. So, I’ll have to say “mileage may vary with use and user”
Life is one big unknown.
You might be interested in reading some of the case studies on The Deaf Blog. There are lots of diary entries and stories there from people who’ve had cochlear implants.
My audiologist told me that the surgery should last a lifetime, unless their was a specific problem. However, the documentation provided and research elsewhere proves that the long-term effects from a cochlear implant are unknown, so it is impossible to say. Documentation also states that all updates to technology will be to the outside gadgets (BTE or Body Worn Processor) not the cochlear implant inside. I hope this helps.
I have the Cochlear Implant for 21 years. Still doing good! My son is 14 and has the implant since he was 2. Still doing great!
im 13 ive got a lumbar perrintoneil shunt what is it like having the shunt in the brain but im going blind so i cant hardly see any thing