Questions about the Healing Period
How long is the recuperation period?
The Carina™ Fully Implantable Hearing Device surgical procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will most likely be able to return home the same day the surgery takes place. Most individuals are able to resume normal daily activities within one to two days. As with most middle ear surgeries, the middle ear will need about six to eight weeks to fully recover.
Does the surgery require general anesthesia?
Yes. the surgery for the Carina Fully Implantable Hearing Device typically requires general anesthesia.
What happens after the surgery?
Waiting for the appointment where the Carina Fully Implantable Hearing Device is activated for the first time is probably the hardest part of the entire process.
An appointment with a qualified dispensing professional is required in order to activate the implant according to your specific hearing needs. The recommended healing time before activation is six to eight weeks.
Can a hearing aid be worn in the other ear?
Yes. The non-implant ear is not affected at all by the surgery and a hearing aid can be worn in that ear.
How soon after surgery will I be able to resume normal activities?
Each person is different so the amount of time it takes to resume normal activities varies. The majority of patients have been able to resume most normal activities within a day or two. If normal activities could be considered strenuous in nature, consult with your surgeon before resuming normal activities.
Will I start hearing with the device immediately after surgery?
No. A dispensing professional will activate the device after the standard post-operative healing period of approximately six to eight weeks.
Why do I have to wait six to eight weeks after surgery before I can be activated?
A six to eight week healing period after surgery is recommended because it allows enough time for the middle ear to completely heal. Remember that after any kind of middle ear surgery, the ear may become swollen and full of fluids. This is a natural reaction of the middle ear to surgery and it takes most people about six weeks for most of the fluid to dissipate from the middle ear space and for most of the swelling to go down. The presence of fluid will make you feel “plugged up” and you won’t hear as well after surgery until the healing process is complete. Waiting the full six to eight weeks provides the best opportunity for complete healing. Moreover, programming the device before you are completely healed will most likely result in the need to have you return to your dispensing professional for a program adjustment because sounds may seem too loud as your ear continues to heal.
Will I be able to wear a hearing aid in the implanted ear during the healing period?
No. It is not recommended that you wear a hearing aid on the implanted ear during the six to eight week healing period following surgery to allow the middle ear to heal thoroughly. After the healing period, it is possible to wear a hearing aid on the implanted ear-however once you’ve experienced the comfort and convenience of the Carina system, it is hard to imagine that you’ll want to use your hearing aid again.
Should I wear a hearing aid in the non-implanted ear?
There is no reason why you cannot wear a hearing aid in the non-implanted ear during the healing period. We also recommend that you wear a hearing aid in the opposite ear while using the Carina Fully Implantable Hearing Device to take advantage of hearing sounds with both ears.
