Perioperative Nursing Care of the Patient Undergoing a Cochlear Implant Procedure

Abstract

A cochlear implant (CI) is used in the auditory rehabilitation of adult and pediatric patients with sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit from conventional hearing aids. Perioperative nursing care of the patient with sensorineural hearing loss undergoing cochlear implantation is not extensively discussed in the literature. Preoperative care involves managing the patient and family’s expectations for the procedure and determining the most effective communication techniques for each patient. Postoperative care involves monitoring patients closely and identifying the signs and symptoms of a number of possible postoperative complications, as well as knowing how to prevent these complications and respond to them. Thorough patient and family discharge instructions are vital to a successful cochlear implantation result. This article provides perioperative nurses caring for patients receiving a CI with detailed information to help ensure that they provide these patients with the most appropriate and effective care.