In the event of developing what appears to be an ear infection, on the side of your cochlear implant, you should follow the instructions below.
It is very important that we treat any potential infection to an implanted ear as early as possible to minimise the risk of any complications which could lead to the implant having to be removed.
Contact us immediately on 01642 854068 during office hours.
If you cannot get through to us on the telephone please follow the out of hours instructions below.
James Cook patients
If the problem occurs out of hours or you cannot get through to us on the telephone number above, James Cook University Hospital patients who had their surgery within the last four weeks should contact the James Cook University Hospital 24 hour
switchboard on 01642 850850 and ask to be put through to Ward 35 (adults) or Ward 22 (children).
If your surgery was more than four weeks ago, attend the emergency department, out of hours GP, or local walk-in centre, who should contact the James Cook University Hospital 24 hour switchboard on 01642 850850 and ask to be put through to the on-call ENT registrar.
Newcastle Upon Tyne patients
If the problem occurs out of hours – for Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals patients attend your local emergency department, out of hours GP, or local walk-in centre who should
contact the Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals 24 hour switchboard on 0191 233 6161 and ask to be put through to the on-call ENT registrar.
Management of wax
In the event of developing what appears to be impacted wax, on the side of your cochlear implant, you should try the following steps:
- Use olive oil or bicarbonate of soda drops to soften the wax (this can be purchased from a
pharmacy). - See your GP for ear syringing or suction (note: syringing should only be undertaken by an
experienced practitioner as there is a very small risk of perforation which should be
discussed with you). - If your GP does not offer this service they should refer you to your local ENT department.
- If there is a possibility of an ear infection, then please follow the Management of Ear
Infections protocol above. - If you have any questions or concerns please contact the team on 01642 854068.