Hearing aids
The right treatment for most hearing loss. Many people referred for implant assessment do well with better-fitted or more powerful hearing aids.
COCHLEAR IMPLANTS · ISLAMABAD
Cochlear implantsassessment and advice.
Dr M Riaz Khokhar assesses children and adults with severe to profound hearing loss to see whether a cochlear implant is likely to help, and guides families through each stage of the implant pathway, at PNS Hafeez Hospital Islamabad.
Evening clinic, Monday to Friday, 5–7 pm. Your appointment time will be confirmed by the clinic.
WHEN TO COME
Who should be assessed.
- A baby who did not pass newborn hearing screening, or who does not startle at loud sounds.
- A child who is not babbling or speaking as expected for their age.
- A child or adult with severe or profound hearing loss in both ears.
- Hearing aids that no longer give enough benefit, even when properly fitted.
- Hearing lost after meningitis, which needs urgent assessment.
- An adult who heard before, has lost hearing, and can no longer follow speech without lip-reading.
For children born deaf, timing matters. The earlier a child is assessed and implanted, the better the chance of developing speech and language. Do not wait to see whether speech will come by itself.
YOUR VISIT
What a cochlear implant assessment involves.
Assessment takes more than one visit and involves several specialists. Bring all previous hearing tests, scans and your current hearing aids.
1
History and examination
When the hearing loss was noticed, its likely cause, speech and language development, general health, and an examination of the ears.
2
Detailed hearing tests
Hearing tests suited to age, including tests done during sleep for babies and young children (such as ABR), measure the degree of hearing loss in each ear.
3
A trial of hearing aids
Well-fitted hearing aids are tried first. An implant is considered when they do not give enough benefit.
4
CT and MRI scans
Scans show the inner ear and the hearing nerve, and confirm whether an implant can be placed.
5
Speech and language assessment
A speech and language therapist assesses communication and explains the therapy needed after an implant.
6
A clear plan
You will be told whether an implant is likely to help, what results to expect realistically, and what the next steps are.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
An implant is one of several options.
Cochlear implant
For severe to profound hearing loss when hearing aids are not enough. An implant bypasses the damaged inner ear and stimulates the hearing nerve directly.
Communication support
Speech and language therapy, and other ways of communicating, matter whichever route is chosen, and especially when an implant is not suitable.
THE IMPLANT PATHWAY
What to expect if an implant is recommended.
The operation
Under general anaesthetic, the internal part of the implant is placed under the skin behind the ear and a fine electrode is passed into the inner ear. The operation usually takes two to three hours, with one or two nights in hospital.
Switch-on
Hearing does not start straight away. The external sound processor is fitted and switched on a few weeks after surgery, once the wound has healed.
Tuning and therapy
The processor is adjusted over several visits, and regular speech and listening therapy continues for months to years. For children, the family's daily involvement at home is as important as the operation.
Realistic results
Results vary from person to person. They depend on age at implantation, how long the hearing loss has been present, the condition of the hearing nerve, and commitment to therapy. An implant does not restore normal hearing.
Risks
These include infection, dizziness, tinnitus, a change in taste, loss of any remaining natural hearing in that ear, device failure needing another operation and, rarely, weakness of the face or meningitis. Vaccination against meningitis is advised before surgery. Dr Khokhar will explain how each applies to you before you decide.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent medical care for:
- Sudden hearing loss in an adult or child.
- Hearing loss after meningitis. The inner ear can close over within weeks, so assessment should not be delayed.
- After implant surgery: fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, or redness, swelling or discharge at the wound.
- A blow to the head over the implant, or an implant that suddenly stops working.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions families often ask.
What is the best age for a child's cochlear implant?
As early as possible. Children born deaf do best when implanted in the first few years of life, ideally within the first two years. The benefit for speech becomes less as the child gets older.
Will my child hear and speak normally?
Many children implanted early learn to listen and speak well, but results vary and depend heavily on regular therapy and family support. An implant gives access to sound; learning to use it takes time.
Can adults have a cochlear implant?
Yes. Adults who lost their hearing after learning to speak often do very well. Adults who have been deaf since early childhood usually gain much less.
How is an implant different from a hearing aid?
A hearing aid makes sound louder for a damaged ear. A cochlear implant bypasses the damaged part of the inner ear and sends signals directly to the hearing nerve.
How long does an implant last?
The internal part is designed to last for many years. The external processor can be repaired or upgraded, and needs batteries and occasional spare parts.
What should I bring to my appointment?
All previous hearing tests, CT or MRI scans, current hearing aids, vaccination records and, for children, any speech therapy reports.
Reviewed by Dr M Riaz Khokhar, ENT Consultant · November 2026. This page gives general information and does not replace a consultation.
Ready to arrange a cochlear implant assessment?
Monday–Friday · 5–7 pm · PNS Hafeez Hospital Islamabad