Cochlear Implant Removal

[Anonymous2929]

Hi guys,

It has been more than 2 years now since I have had my cochlear implant. I am not getting much benefit from using it and I would like to get it removed.

I had a meeting with my surgeon 2 weeks to discuss implant removal. He said it can be done but the problem would be, if in the future I lose my remaining hearing in my left ear (10% percent left, right side has the implant) and decide want to be implanted again; it will be difficult to get into the same area as removing the implant, the space closes to form tissue. He said they do not remove the whole electrode but cut a piece out leaving half the electrode in the cochlea. I don't think i will lose my remaining hearing as i was born hard of hearing in my left ear anyway. I reckon my hearing is still same as it was 27 years ago.

I also used to box a few years ago and would like to start boxing again. Is it possible, these implant surgeries have/will weaken my skull and constant blows to the head are dangerous? Are there any ex-implant users on this forum?

Anonymous2929

 

[PatrickG]

Hi @Anonymous2929 !
I can't answer about the implant and what to do with it. But I can tell you that I got severe tinnitus from a hit to the ear on martial arts practice so it's not without risk. Just so you know...

 

[AnxiousJon]

Hearing takes place in the brain. IMO If you already suffering from hearing problems, find a hobby that doesn't include blunt-force trauma to the brain as a normal constituent component.
Oh wow, I just saw your cause of hearing loss was caused by brain damage/lack of formation at birth! I forgot about that. Yeah, stay away from boxing!

 

[Zorro!]

My dad was a boxer in his youth. As he got older he had a lot of problems with his teeth/jaw and also his vision. I considered taking up boxing at one point but decided against it after seeing how badly it affected him. Having tinnitus and hearing problems is bad enough.

I'm not saying you shouldn't box, just saying you should probably think things through a little more. Best wishes for whatever you decide on the implant. Hang in there!

 

[Anonymous2929]

Hi @Anonymous2929 !
I can't answer about the implant and what to do with it. But I can tell you that I got severe tinnitus from a hit to the ear on martial arts practice so it's not without risk. Just so you know...

I always has tinnitus going back 20 years. My tinnitus is in my implanted ear. The tinnitus does not bother me at all

 

[Anonymous2929]

Hearing takes place in the brain. IMO If you already suffering from hearing problems, find a hobby that doesn't include blunt-force trauma to the brain as a normal constituent component.
Oh wow, I just saw your cause of hearing loss was caused by brain damage/lack of formation at birth! I forgot about that. Yeah, stay away from boxing!

Well I been boxing since I was 14-21. Great competitive bouts and sparred countless hours of sparring with out the head gear. I was deaf then. I only lost my hearing in my right ear due to inner ear infections. Prior this, I had 100% hearing in my right ear until I was 14. Then it started to deteriorate until it became profound.'

 

[Anonymous2929]

My dad was a boxer in his youth. As he got older he had a lot of problems with his teeth/jaw and also his vision. I considered taking up boxing at one point but decided against it after seeing how badly it affected him. Having tinnitus and hearing problems is bad enough.

I'm not saying you shouldn't box, just saying you should probably think things through a little more. Best wishes for whatever you decide on the implant. Hang in there!

Thanks for the wishes. I really don't know what to do. I been in my thoughts for 6 months to remove the inplant with countless visits to the implant centre. We all had dreams and for me, I realised my dreams cant come true due to my hearing loss. Boxing gave me hope and I always seen my life as struggling like Rocky Balboa. At least Rocky achieved his dreams

 

[Zorro!]

Thanks for the wishes. I really don't know what to do. I been in my thoughts for 6 months to remove the inplant with countless visits to the implant centre. We all had dreams and for me, I realised my dreams cant come true due to my hearing loss. Boxing gave me hope and I always seen my life as struggling like Rocky Balboa. At least Rocky achieved his dreams

You can still achieve plenty of dreams. These may have to be new dreams but nonetheless you can still achieve a lot in life that will make you feel fulfilled and happy. Don't let your hearing issues negatively inform your future. There's an old Mexican boxing adage: Defeat that which is defeating you. So don't give up on your dreams -- ever.