CPT® Code 69930

A cochlear implant is a sophisticated electronic device designed to restore useful hearing in individuals suffering from severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve pathways to the brain. The cochlear implant functions by converting sound, including speech, into electrical energy, which then stimulates the auditory nerve fibers located in the inner ear. The device consists of two main components: an internal processor that is surgically implanted and an external component that includes a microphone and a speech processor. The surgical procedure involves creating a C-shaped incision above and around the ear to access the mastoid bone and the cochlea. Depending on the specific case, a mastoidectomy may be performed, which involves removing the mastoid air cells to facilitate access to the inner ear. The electrode array is then carefully inserted into the cochlea, allowing for direct stimulation of the auditory nerve. The internal processor is secured in a small depression created in the mastoid bone, and the incision is meticulously closed in layers to promote healing. The external components work in conjunction with the internal processor, enabling the user to receive and interpret sounds effectively, thereby improving their overall auditory experience.