What risks can occur during or after cochlear implant surgery?

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Cochlear implant surgery, which requires general anesthesia, carries several potential risks and side effects associated with the procedure or the device itself.1

Potential complications include:

Hearing loss: Some patients may experience a complete loss of hearing in the affected ear due to the implantation procedure or the presence of the device.1
Nerve injury: There is a risk of injury to the facial nerve, which passes near the vestibulocochlear nerve within the temporal bone.1
Infection: While advances in materials have reduced this risk, infection remains a possible side effect.1
Sensory and physical issues: Patients may experience numbness around the ear or tinnitus, which is a persistent ringing or buzzing sound.1
Device issues: The implant may suffer from failure.1

Additionally, the long-term effects of the electrode array on the nerves and the function of the auditory nucleus are not yet fully understood.1