Cochlear Implants: Understanding the Benefits and Risks

7. Activation

Three to six weeks after surgery, the doctor will activate the cochlear implant. The interim gives the area a chance to heal and allows swelling to resolve. External components, including the speech processor and microphone, are added. The patient may have to return several times for adjustments and fine-tuning. Someone with a cochlear implant may have to work with a speech pathologist or audiologist for several months. The learning process is slow but gets easier in time.