Diagnosis and Management of Cochlear Implant Malfunctions

This chapter provides information that can be used by clinicians to assist with diagnosis and management of cochlear implant device malfunctions. The chapter reviews procedures that can be used during all stages of the implant process, including counseling provided prior to implant surgery, preoperative assessment, intraoperative procedures, radiographic procedures, and postoperative assessment and programming. Symptoms that may be indicative of a device failure are summarized and reviewed. Test procedures used by device manufacturers for integrity testing, information regarding device warranty, and medical considerations involved with explant and reimplantation of a failed device also are described.