Cochlear Implant in South Korea: Costs, Doctors, and top Hospitals

About the Cochlear Implant

Cochlear implant is one of the several ways to treat hearing loss. It is an electronic device, a part of which lies on the cochlea (inner ear) and behind the ear that helps stimulate the nerve.

A cochlear implant is advised to a person suffering from complete deafness or partial hearing loss in one or both the ears. The device is used to bypass the usual or normal mechanism by which a person is able to hear external sounds.

Who requires cochlear implant?

Cochlear implant is typically suggested to patient with sensorineural hearing loss. This condition may arise when there is a damage to the tiny hair that are present on cochlea. These tiny hears catch the vibration of an external sound and transfer it to the auditory nerve, which then sends the signal to the part of brain responsible for hearing.

In cases of damaged cochlear hair, the vibrations are not picked up and no signal is sent to the auditory nerve. In such patients, a cochlear implant can help transmit the signal directly to the auditory nerve.

Components of Cochlear Implant

A typical cochlear implant consists of two parts – one is the stimulator, while the other one is a processor.

Stimulator: The receiver-stimulator component of the cochlear implant is placed under the skin with the help of a surgery. It helps stimulate the auditory nerve, which then sends signals to the brain.
Processor:The processor part is fixed behind the ear, just like a hearing aid. However, it is a bit larger than a typical hearing aid. This component helps process surrounding sounds and speech.

How is Cochlear Implant performed?

Cochlear Implant Surgery

Cochlear implant surgery takes anywhere between one to two hours and is typically conducted as an outpatient procedure. During the surgery, the surgeon first makes a small incision behind the ear to put the receiver under the skin. The receiver is then connected to electrodes that are placed in the inner ear.

The patient is sent back home after the surgery and is asked to return back after a gap of one or two weeks. This is when the second part of the cochlear implant – the processor – is connected. A microphone is placed behind the ear and the processor could be placed at the same location or somewhere else.

How does cochlear implant work?

In the presence of a sound, the processor and the microphone picks up the sound vibrations. The vibrations are converted into electrical impulses and sent to the receiver with the help of a transmitted that codes the signals. The signals are then passed on to the electrodes attached to the cochlea.

The electrodes further stimulate the auditory or cochlear nerve. The same nerve carries the signals to the brain and the sounds are finally recognized as a sound.

Recovery from Cochlear Implant

Cochlear Implant: Risks and Complications

Cochlear implant surgery is a safe procedure, however, it has certain risks and may result in a few complications in rare cases. Some of the possible risks and complications after cochlear implant surgery include:

Dizziness
Problem in balancing
Tinnitus or ringing ear
Fluid leakage around the brain
Nerve damage
Paralysis of the face
Altered sense of taste
Device failure
Infection of the brain (meningitis)

Pros:

Increased hearing ability
Improved lifestyle

Cons:

High cost
Sounds may not seem natural

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health care infrastructure of South Korea / Why should opt for South Korea as a destination for your medical treatment?

South Korea is recognized for its strict rules and regulations which have kept the country in strict discipline. As an upside, the country has well-maintained regulations for every process and impressive medical healthcare facilities which have garnered thousands of visitors from across the world. The reason for opting for hospitals in South Korea is the astounding treatment options available at a very cost-effective price range, which is undoubtedly more affordable than most of the developed countries across the world. Besides the well-planned infrastructure, the treatment in South Korea and the alternatives offered are tempting enough. Apart from that, the country also flaunts high success rates and has thus been able to cure some of the most complex diseases in the world.

What are the conditions of the hospitals in South Korea? Are they JCI certified? What is the quality of the support staff in the hospitals?

The Joint Commission International (JCI) is a global leader in health care accreditation. JCI accreditation is considered a gold standard in worldwide health care. It provides the most skilled and experienced healthcare professionals in the medical industry, as evaluators of the rigorous international standards in healthcare quality and patient safety. YUHS Severance Hospital + Gangnam Severance Hospital is a JCI certified hospital in South Korea.

Are the doctors/surgeons in South Korea of the best quality?

The doctors and surgeons providing treatments in South Korea are globally recognized for their service in the medical field. Furnished with degrees from reputed universities and decades of training and experience, the doctors have earned high success rates throughout their professional careers. The doctors have to undergo rigorous training to keep up with the strict protocol and measures of hospitals in South Korea. Hence, quality is maintained.

What is the process for obtaining a medical visa in South Korea?

The Korean embassy follows a strict protocol for obtaining a visa for traveling to the country. The necessary documents (photocopies and original) have been listed on their official website and should be strictly adhered to. The candidate also has to produce necessary papers stating the medical cause and referral certificate signed by the registered medical practitioner. Although these need to be taken care of by the candidate, the rest of the procedures and further visa assistance is managed by the sponsors in most cases. A Medical Dependent Visa is granted to those who are accompanying a patient traveling to Sount Korea for medical treatment on a Medical Visa. This visa can be given to a close relative/family member or a friend of the patient. Please note that relevant letters/documents explaining details of the treatment, signed and stamped by the concerned hospitals/doctors, a declaration from the patient or an immediate family member is also required confirming the escort travel along with the patient.

What support services does MediGence provide in South Korea?

MediGence enables you to plan and manage your medical decisions better. These are some of our services offered:

Expert Opinion
We help you seek an Expert Opinion on your diagnosis and treatment from an experienced team of doctors at MediGence and specialists from a reputable hospital.
Hospital Recommendation
We recommend a hospital or a healthcare institution that is best suited for you, based on your ailment and its criticality.
360-degree Hospital Review
We give you a transparent and holistic view of the hospital and its infrastructure, accreditation, facilities, and expertise to give you confidence.
Doctor Validation and Communication
We share a comprehensive profile of the treating doctor and also arrange a call to clear queries regarding treatment if needed.
Options to Choose From
Based on your choice of destination and other preferences, we provide you multiple options with respect to hospitals and doctors to choose from.
24X7 Patient Care Support
A dedicated patient case manager stays in constant touch with you to help you at every step of the decision-making process and resolve queries that you may have.
Transparent Treatment Cost and Other Expenses
We give a clear and accurate indication of the total cost of treatment including treatment, stay, meals, and other expenses.
Visa Assistance
We provide and help prepare documentation for visa approval and coordinate with the embassy to expedite the visa process.
Accommodation Arrangements
We propose to you a choice of accommodation based on your preference such as long stay, short stay, or luxury properties.

Which are the best cities in South Korea for medical treatment?

Treatment in South Korea is affordable. Seoul is the capital of South Korea and one of the main cities for healthcare. Seoul and Daegu have some of the best hospitals in South Korea. Busan, Incheon, and Ulsan also have developing healthcare facilities.

Cochlear Implant in South Korea

Treatment and Cost