A cochlear implant is a device that is surgically implanted in the ear to help people who have medical problems with the inner ear, or cochlear. The implant is designed to give these people an improved ability to hear sound. The cochlear is a coiled tube that's in the part of the ear that contains nerves. The cochlear takes electrical signals that are generated from auditory vibrations and sends these signals to the auditory nerve. Cochlear implants generate their own electrical signals from auditory vibrations and transmit them directly to the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged portion of the cochlear.
Signs of Infection
Signs of infection should be watched for after surgery. These signs include a fever over 101.5 degrees F, an increase in the level of pain in the ear, swelling or redness near the ear and chills. Another sign of infection is drainage from the ear, especially if the drainage has a foul odor. In the 24 hours after surgery, there can be feelings of dizziness and nausea, but these should not be mistaken for signs of an infection.
Meningitis
Meningitis is a particular kind of infection. It's an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Cochlear implants can result in bacterial meningitis, although it was more likely when the implant included a device called a positioner--which hasn't been used in implants since 2002. Meningitis is a serious, sometimes fatal infection. Regardless of the type of infection, medical attention should be sought after the appearance of the first sign. Signs of meningitis include a stiff neck, headaches, irritability, loss of appetite, confusion, a feeling of sleepiness or tiredness, an uncomfortable feeling when looking at bright lights, loss of hearing, a high fever, nausea and vomiting.
Meningitis Complications
Long-term symptoms of meningitis can vary widely among individuals. There can be difficulties with short-term memory. Also, there can be a loss of skills that were recently developed. Temper tantrums, displays of aggression, clumsiness and problems with balance are all longer-term signs of a meningitis infection.
