Does Dr. Ruffin use a postoperative X-Ray?

During surgery, we are interested in knowing that the cochlear implant is:

• working.
• in the proper position in the cochlea.
• fully deployed (i.e. no tip-rollover).

To confirm this we often do an x-ray and electronic tests. Some cochlear implants have sophisticated self-tests that do not require an x-ray. These on board diagnostics are able to measure the auditory/hearing nerve activity. These measurements can tell us that the cochlear implant is properly deployed in the cochlea.

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An intra-operative x-ray is traditionally done. This is important to confirm that the electrode is fully deployed inside the cochlea. We consider this standard of care. On most cases we go a step beyond and test the implant itself to ensure that it is working properly.