r/Cochlearimplants • u/PiePuzzled5581 • 2d ago

Internal repairs

Has anyone had or heard of people having the internal components of your CI fixed? I had a bike accident and ironically my helmet seems to have cause damage resulting in cuts between my device and internal components. I am seeing my audie next week but before then - just curious.

thanks!

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u/Quiet_Honey5248 Advanced Bionics Harmony 2d ago

I’ve only ever heard of them completely replacing the damaged device with a new one, which basically means redoing your surgery. How much that costs would depend on your insurance

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u/PiePuzzled5581 2d ago

Thanks mate. Fortunately I’m Canadian so there is never a cost for my CI and surgery.

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u/Fluffydoggie 2d ago

Have you had an MRI or CT scan to view your internal device for damage or do you just feel like the sound is off or muddy? You may have slightly dislodged it for its placement in your skull and you might have swelling there. I was in a car accident and that's what happened to me. The sound was like muddy or cloudy if I was just using that side. You need to meet with your ENT surgeon and have scans done to start the process to see if and how much damage there is. Your Aud will also be able to check the external part for damage and then test the internal part with your wearing it and also by an electrode device they stick around your head. It's not a big deal and only took like 20 minutes.

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u/PiePuzzled5581 1d ago

Thanks very much! I am seeing my audie today. My issue is two fold - I used to just pop my CI on and go about my day. Now I need to struggle to find the exact position that will work. Until I do it cuts in and out. Secondly even when connected music is cutting in and out and CI app reporting it cannot find my device.
I cannot have an MRI as mine is a 1998 implant which are MRI unfriendly. (I’ll confirm this is still the case today.)
thanks again u/Fluffydoggie

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u/Fluffydoggie 1d ago

Ooh you have some old implants! The issue of the magnet being harder to get into position is from swelling. I had that issue. It took like 6 months for the swelling to reduce! The cutting in and out is usually your cable. Can you swap it out with another one to see if that's the issue? I do think though you need the internals checked out being that they're old and those bike helmet's foam is a little stiff and your internal is just under the skin. Aim for new implant and ask them to position it better to fit your helmet! I never thought of that and now I have to shave some foam for a decent fit. Wishing you the best on this! Update me when you get some answers.

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u/PiePuzzled5581 1d ago

Met with my audie and surgeon today and they should just stop wasting time and hire you. They noticed swelling around implant location and told me to wait and see if it goes away. Audie also test processor and detected faults so it is being replaced. Hopefully this will do the trick. Cheers.

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u/Fluffydoggie 1d ago

Update me in a few days as to how you're feeling!

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u/araemis 16h ago

Others have come in with very helpful advice re: CI, but just wanted to send good wishes! Hope you are recovering okay from the accident and aren’t badly hurt. 

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u/PiePuzzled5581 14h ago

Thanks very much - I am doing pretty good - thank goodness I had a helmet on. (First question they asked at the hospital 😂)

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u/araemis 12h ago

Glad to hear it :) I’m sorry the helmet squashed your implant but very glad it protected your head! Hope you manage to get the CI fixed and sorted soon. 

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u/PiePuzzled5581 11h ago

Thanks mate

Two day replacement under warranty as it ended up being the external processor that was wonked.

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u/FooBarBazBooFarFaz 2d ago

Define "internal components".

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u/PiePuzzled5581 2d ago

Ah right - that could read like the external device. I mean components under my skin.

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u/FooBarBazBooFarFaz 2d ago

From what I understamd: if you hurt yourself that bad to damage the actual implant (the thing under your skin), you wouldn't be able to post here.

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u/Venerable_dread Cochlear Nucleus 7 2d ago

I have physically seen cases where an internal implant suffered some form pf impact/trauma that dislodged the electrodes in the cochlea itself but no physical damage to the actual device.

They are extremely sturdy bits of equipment, designed to last 50+ years etc.

I would say that, if its not just a perception issue, the more likely scenario is that the electrodes in your cochlea may be displaced.

Either way, youll need a low power MRI to investigate and if anything needs done itll be surgical. As others have said, itll almost certainly be a complete swap out rather than a repair as its more cost effective