subject: Disadvantages Of Cochlear Implants [print this page] Severe hearing loss and impairment people will have to use the cochlear implants, though disadvantages of cochlear implants are present. Surgical implantation of the device in the ear is common. Since the device is left in the cochlear region, it is called as cochlear implant. This electronic device is used mainly to convert the sound that is heard into electronic signals and then transmitted to the brain.
There are various disadvantages that are associated with the cochlear implants. As a surgical procedure is used to implant the device, there are many risks associated with the surgery including infections and other surgical complications. Facial muscle paralysis can also be seen in some people. This happens because of the damage to the facial nerve during the surgery.
The cochlear implant surgery can cause tinnitus to occur in some people. Complete loss of hearing is another common risk that can occur in this kind of surgery. There are some instances where the device may fail and this may cause the person to have no benefits at all.
Some of the people who have had a surgery to get the implant placed can also suffer from problems like meningitis. Swimming and other similar activities should be avoided by those who have had implants. Precautions should be taken even while showering. This is a disadvantage too as the lifestyle of the individual is curbed to an extent.
Since the cochlear implant is an electronic one, the person who is using the device needs to be very careful and should avoid standing in areas where there could be a strong magnetic field present. The implant can be damaged in such situations. Avoiding places where there could be a magnetic field is very important.
Another important disadvantage is that the external component of the cochlear implant may have to have the batteries changed at regular intervals. If the device runs on rechargeable batteries, then this problem can be overcome. Though there are many advantages of a cochlear implant, there are some disadvantages too. An informed decision should be made by the affected individual depending on the risks present and the rewards that can be gained. This will help the person to overcome the disadvantages of cochlear implants.
