Name of the Procedure:

Evaluation of Auditory Function for Surgically Implanted Device(s) Candidacy or Postoperative Status of a Surgically Implanted Device(s); First Hour

Summary

This procedure involves assessing a person’s hearing abilities to determine if they are suitable candidates for a surgically implanted hearing device or to evaluate the performance of an implanted device after surgery. It typically includes various auditory tests conducted over the first hour.

Purpose

This evaluation is designed to:

• Identify and diagnose hearing impairments.
• Determine if a patient is suitable for a surgically implanted hearing device like cochlear implants.
• Assess the functionality and performance of a hearing device after it has been implanted.

Indications

• Hearing loss or impairment that doesn't improve with traditional hearing aids.
• Evaluation of postoperative auditory function in patients who have received a hearing implant.
• Candidates for cochlear implants, bone-anchored hearing aids, or other implanted devices.

Preparation

• Prior hearing tests and medical history related to ear health should be reviewed.
• Patients are typically advised to avoid loud noise exposure before the test.
• No special fasting or medication adjustments are usually required.
• Ensure the patient understands the procedure and obtains informed consent.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Consultation: Discuss patient’s medical history, symptoms, and concerns.
2. Auditory Tests: Perform tests such as pure tone audiometry, speech recognition tests, and tympanometry.
3. Device Evaluation: For postoperative patients, assess the device function through speech and hearing tests.
4. Recommendations: Based on the results, provide recommendations about candidacy for implantable devices or adjustments to existing devices.

Tools, Equipment, and Technology

• Audiometer
• Tympanometer
• Speech recognition tools
• Computer software for analyzing auditory function

Anesthesia or Sedation

• Typically, no anesthesia or sedation is required as it is a non-invasive procedure.

Duration

The procedure generally takes about 1 hour for the initial set of tests.

Setting

The evaluation is usually conducted in an outpatient clinic or an audiology center.

Personnel

• Audiologist
• Otolaryngologist (ENT specialist if required)
• Audiology technician

Risks and Complications

• Rare risk of slight discomfort during tympanometry.
• Misinterpretation or technical errors can lead to inaccurate results, but this is uncommon and managed with thorough testing protocols.

Benefits

• Identifies the best candidates for surgically implanted devices to improve hearing.
• Ensures the functionality of implanted devices, leading to better hearing outcomes.
• Immediate results that can assist in making informed decisions about further medical interventions.

Recovery

• No significant recovery process is needed as the procedure is non-invasive.
• Patients may be given follow-up appointments for further assessment or device calibration.

Alternatives

• Continued use of traditional hearing aids.
• Non-surgical auditory therapies or treatments.
• Different types of hearing implants or devices.

Pros and Cons of Alternatives

• Traditional hearing aids are less invasive but may not be effective for severe hearing loss.
• Surgical options offer superior hearing improvement but involve more extensive procedures and risks.

Patient Experience

• Patients can expect minimal discomfort during auditory tests.
• Any apprehension can be managed with prior counseling and thorough explanations.
• Post-procedure, patients will receive immediate feedback on their candidacy or the functionality of their implanted device.