Pediatric Cochlear Implant Surgery

An operating room at American Family Children's Hospital

If the decision is made to move forward with cochlear implant surgery, the patient's insurance carrier will be contacted requesting approval.

 

This approval may take one to three months depending on the insurance company.

 

Once approval is given by the insurance company, the cochlear implant surgery will be scheduled.

 

The surgery to implant the cochlear device is typically performed on an outpatient basis and will involve an overnight stay at the hospital for observation.

 

The surgery generally lasts anywhere from 2-5 hours, during which the device consisting of the electrode array is implanted. 

 

The device will not be working immediately following surgery. The initial activation will take place approximately four to six weeks following surgery.