Scott Mallinson

A few months ago, we decided that a second cochlear implant was in Scott’s best interest. Bilateral implants are now considered beneficial for children who have had success with their first implant. For Scott, due to his visual impairments, a second implant will hopefully give him the ability to localize sound. With one implant Scott can hear very well, but cannot tell from which direction the sound originates.

Scott went in for surgery yesterday, and was very brave. We now let him know what is happening in the days leading up to a surgery, which makes him very nervous, but also helps him to be brave when the day arrives. He was very worried – but walked right in to the operating room himself for surgery number 34.

The operation was a complete success. His doctor was able to insert the entire device into his cochlea, which will allow all available electrodes to stimulate his auditory nerve, giving him the best range of sounds. He was awake and alert in the early afternoon, and while most people struggle to get down some broth, this hospital veteran wolfed down most of a chicken burger for dinner. When he was awake enough to wear his glasses and sit up on his own, we gave him a present we had bought for him a few days ago. Apple’s new iPad – a tablet based computer that runs the same software he has learned to use on his iPod, but with a larger screen that is much easier on his eyes. He loved it. Who wouldn’t?

Scott stayed one night at Children’s Hospital, and was happy to return home, although a little annoyed to have his activities restricted. He needs to stay home from school this week, and will have to refrain from running and jumping for about a month – not easy for him.

Just like his first implant, the wound will be allowed to heal for about a month before we go in to have the new device turned on. After the initial activation, is will be gradually turned up to normal hearing levels. Although he is already using an implant on the other side, it will still be like learning to hear all over again, since the area of the brain that processes these sounds will be separate than the area processing sounds from the other ear. It will take him time to learn, and it won’t be easy, but Scott loves his first implant, and that good experience should help him make the transition.