Preparing for Surgery

Now that you have decided on the Harmony HiResolution Bionic Ear System for your child, the next step in your Harmony Journey is getting your child’s Harmony System. During this time, you and your child will visit a CI center for a candidacy evaluation, undergo surgery, and then visit your cochlear implant center to turn on the Bionic Ear! This time can be exciting and intimidating. The information at this stage of your journey helps you prepare your family for the surgery and set expectations for the initial stimulation. 

Getting Ready
Everyone looks at surgery from their own perspective. To some, it can be a source of anxiety. However, to get to the part you’re looking forward to—hearing your world—surgery is a necessary part of the process. The good news is that cochlear implant surgeries are done thousands of times a year around the world. The procedure is relatively straightforward, and children usually go home the same day or very next day.

Parents, Prepare Yourselves
Surgery is usually more unnerving for the parent than it is for the child. Even if you are nervous, try to be matter-of-fact about the surgery so your child will not sense your apprehension. It’s important that your child sees you calm and confident about the surgery, which helps him or her feel better and protected.

Talk to your doctor and audiologist about how to prepare your child for surgery, and feel free to contact the Bionic Ear Association (BEA) to be put in touch with other parents who have been through this experience.

Prepare Your Child
Advanced Bionics gives all children getting an implant a Bionic Buddy stuffed animal, coloring book, and cartoon DVD or VHS. These materials help you educate your child about the process and can provide comfort to the child along the way. If you haven’t received one of these, be sure to ask your audiologist for these materials before the surgery. Most children become attached to Bionic Buddy, a toy monkey with a cochlear implant, who can become your child’s best pal during this process.

Preparing your child is as simple as playing. If your child is old enough to communicate and play with toys and books, you can use Bionic Buddy and the coloring book to show what this visit to the hospital is all about. Read and explain the coloring book to them and have them watch the Buddy DVD or VHS several times, color the book with them, and make sure they are generally familiar with the Bionic Buddy story, which they will be about to experience in real life.

You can role-play with Bionic Buddy and his cochlear implant processor that helps Bionic Buddy “hear,” just like it will with your child. You can also bring in siblings to this story, so they can understand what’s about to happen. Another good idea is to play hospital with your child, if he or she is old enough. Let your child be the doctor, put the cochlear implant on Buddy, put on a bandage, and when Buddy’s head hurts a little, be encouraging and compassionate.

Take Bionic Buddy to the hospital on the day of surgery for your child to hold until the moment he or she falls asleep, and Buddy will be there when your child wakes up. The familiarity of “Bionic Buddy is just like me” is priceless and will help your child during this process.

It is recommended that the child be comfortable with the surgical set-up, clothing (caps, gowns, and masks), and the anesthesia mask. Many hospitals or implant centers have materials and programs to assist families and educators in familiarizing the child with this process.

Before Surgery Considerations
Has your insurance been approved ahead of surgery? If you need assistance, contact the Advanced Bionics Insurance Reimbursement Department. Make sure you know what insurance information you need and when to provide it.

Has your child received the meningitis vaccination? 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 a foreign device where there is a higher chance of infection from bacteria causing meningitis. The best prevention of meningitis includes vaccination and education. Advanced Bionics provides support for unreimbursed vaccination costs, as well as financial awards for families whose children receive vaccinations. To learn more about the Vaccination Reimbursement and Incentive Program, click here. For more information, please consult your implant surgeon or other related healthcare professionals.

Have you reviewed the pre-surgery information provided by the hospital? If you have not received this from your hospital or surgeon, call and request it. Make sure you have all of your questions answered about surgery and postsurgery in advance.

If you have been instructed that your child will spend the night, don’t forget to pack his or her personal belongings for an overnight stay. Most importantly, don’t forget Bionic Buddy.

• Have you read the pre-surgery packet provided by the hospital?
• What day is your child’s surgery? What time is surgery check-in?
• Where do you need to go?
• When is your child expected to be ready to go home?
• Is your child familiarized with Bionic Buddy’s story? Remember to bring him along!

What Are the Risks of Surgery
In general, any type of surgery has some associated risk with it. Your doctor is the best person to discuss your concerns about the risks of cochlear implant surgery with you. You or your child will go through pre-surgical examinations to make the surgeon aware of any special circumstances that need to be considered. Here are some known facts about cochlear implant surgical risks:

• There is always a risk of infection associated with surgery. You should note the healing process of the wound, and you or your child’s general health after the surgery. Your doctor will give you signs to look for. If you notice anything wrong, alert your doctor immediately so he or she can treat any possible infection promptly.
• Cochlear implants have been associated with a higher than typical occurrence of bacterial meningitis. This risk is reduced by vaccination, which your surgeon will discuss with you prior to surgery.
• There is a rare risk of complications with anesthesia. For parents, it is helpful to know that your anesthesiologist is experienced in pediatric surgery anesthesia. You have every right to get informed about your medical team, so don’t be afraid to ask.
• As with most ear surgeries, there is a possible disruption in the sense of taste, balance, and/or facial nerve. These problems are rare, and if they occur, usually are temporary.
• After surgery, minimal pain or tenderness at the site of the incision may be experienced, and this usually dissipates within a short period of time. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication as necessary.
• This is not a complete list of potential risks. Your medical team and surgeon will review all relevant information with you prior to surgery.

Next: What Happens on Surgery Day>>